SYDNEY — Australia was bracing for one of the worst days in its wildfire crisis Saturday as strong winds and high temperatures were forecast to bring flames to more populated areas, including the suburbs of Sydney.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her state is facing “another terrible day” and called on people in areas threatened by the fires to leave while they can.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers warned the fires could move “frighteningly quick.” Embers carried by the wind had the potential to spark new fires or enlarge existing blazes.

“We are unfortunately very likely to lose homes but we will be very happy and call it a success if no lives are lost,” he said.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fizsimmons said the 652,000-acre Green Wattle Creek fire in a national park west of Sydney had the potential to spread into Sydney’s western suburbs.