Fires have reportedly destroyed homes in Springwood and Winmalee in the Blue Mountains. The NSW Rural Fire Service has said that fire is burning quickly in these areas, and further homes may be lost.
Reports also indicate that homes may have been lost at Lithgow, Yandderra, Port Stephens, the Southern Highlands, and Balmoral.
A 34 degree forecast and strong winds – up to 70 kilometres per hour – has seen the fires spread quickly.
At 4.38pm, there were currently seven emergency warnings for fires burning throughout the state. A southerly change in wind is expected at some point this afternoon – but this is likely to bring new challenges.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is providing updates on the fire via Twitter, although their website is currently down.
If you are having trouble with RFS website check http://t.co/YrrG7UYSY0 or http://t.co/9K9mojAnbq #NSWRFS #nswfires
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 17, 2013
The Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers told ABC Radio that, “It’s going to continue like this for … three or four hours. Then we’re looking at a southerly change which is going to bring gusty south-westerlies which will turn the side of the fire into the head of the fire and bring us a whole new lot of drama.”
The RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told ABC, “Nothing short of torrential rain will ease things at the moment.
The NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has left parliament for the day, to head to the RFS headquarters, saying, “There are parts of the state where currently residents are battling the uncertainty of the outbreak of these fires and our hearts and our thoughts are with them.”
A total fire ban has been put in place today in Western Sydney and surrounding areas. There is a ‘severe’ fire ban throughout Sydney.
You can follow the NSW Rural Fire Service on Twitter to remain up-to-date, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 679 737. Our thoughts are with all the people whose houses may be in danger, or who has family living in these areas.
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