More than 10.3 million hectares of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across Australia, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit.
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With cooler temperatures and light rain, firefighters have been able to gain the upper hand on many of the east coast fires, though authorities warned people not to become complacent.
Temperatures were expected to soar back into the 40s in Victoria on Friday and there are fears the Victorian and NSW fires could merge.
"We are going to see some widespread severe fire dangers, we are asking people to be ready," New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told Sky News.
In another interview he defended when it was appropriate to attempt hazard reduction burnoffs.
Australia's bushfire season started earlier than normal following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.
Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on.
Prime Minister Morrison on Wednesday pledged $A11 million ($NZ11.3 million) to South Australia state farmers affected by fires. At the start of the week he pledged $A2 billion to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency.
Australia will deploy more than 100 military personnel to help with clean-up efforts.
On Wednesday, there were 129 fires ablaze across NSW, with about 50 uncontained.
All the fires were at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating.
Victoria state had 40 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts.
