Sydney has declared it is ready to get the Olympics underway after a rehearsal of the opening ceremony - despite a hairy moment when fireworks caused grass fires close to the stadium.

Sydney has declared it is ready to get the Olympics underway after a rehearsal of the opening ceremony - despite a hairy moment when fireworks caused grass fires close to the stadium. Transport and security systems passed their first big test on Saturday night as 100,000 people streamed into Stadium Australia for a preview of the curtain raiser to next Friday's opening ceremony. The fires provoked an anxious moment but were shrugged off by the deputy head of the Australian Olympic Committee Michael Wenden as a "minor side effect". Other organisers said they would review safety procedures for fireworks displays. Crowds who flocked to the stadium, where the Olympic torch will be lit this week, were asked to keep secret the details of the extravaganza, which will feature such stars as Olivia Newton John. "We're Ready," the Sun Herald trumpeted in a front-page headline over a picture of the Australian women's soccer team posing in dark glasses and jump suits atop the Sydney Harbour bridge.