Sydney blaze could have been arson

SYDNEY - Investigators believe the fire that licked at Sydney's fringes and shut down a major road was deliberately lit.

Thousands of commuters were left stranded for up to five hours yesterday when a bush fire emergency shut major road and train lines just north of the city. Simon Heemstra from the Rural Fire Service says firefighters expect to make major progress on the blaze today.

"The worst is past. There is no threat to property. We're hoping that with much milder weather conditions, we achieve full containment."

Crews have been working through the night to dampen several spot fires.

- NEWSTALK ZB