The Duffy's Forest crew conducting back burning at a property on Mountain Lagoon Road, Bilpin. Blue Mountain Bush Fire. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited
POLICE detained two eight-year-old boys near East Maitland on the NSW North Coast last night after they were found trying to start a fire.
Officers found the boys trying to use a lighter to set fire to dried leaves and grass on vacant land near Quarry St around 6:30pm AEST.
A concerned resident called police to the scene and the lighter was later found to be "inoperable", the law enforcement agency said in a statement.
No charges were laid because of their age.
Police had a word to the boys once their parents were located and filed "child at risk notifications" to the Department of Community Services.
Police pleaded with parents and carers to be aware of what their children are doing.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the State Mine Fire near Lithgow had been started by live ordnance exercises on Defence force Marangaroo Army Range on Wednesday October 2013.
A Defence investigation is continuing.
The damage and destruction from yesterday's bushfires have caused was unprecedented for this time of year, NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
But miraculously, no lives were lost or homes destroyed. All major fires were downgraded to "watch and act"overnight.
"Never before have we seen the extent of damage and destruction and wide-scale fire activity at this time of the year," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
Here's what we know so far:
- Firefighters battled 71 fires, 29 of which were uncontained, with two at emergency level.
- Two schools evacuated in Minmi and the M1 Motorway was partially closed.
- Looters took advantage of the desperate situation. Two teenage boys were arrested today for allegedly stealing a charity collection box from a Springwood cafe, and an online charity set up to help teenage girls affected by the bushfires has also fallen victim to a looter.
MAJOR FIRE HOTSPOTS
- Stockrington Road Fire, Minmi: Watch and act for fire heading towards Minmi and threatening the M1 Motorway. The M1 is closed northbound.
- State Mine Fire, Lithgow: Watch-and-act alert for fire burning near the township of Bell, as well as Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence.
- Springwood/Faulconbridge: Watch and act for a fire in the Springwood area which has burned more than 3000 hectares so far.
- Balmoral, Southern Highlands: Watch-and-act alert for a 15,292-hectare fire burning in the Southern Highlands near Yerrinbool, Balmoral, Yanderra, Pheasants Nest, Wilton, Bargo, Buxton, Hill Top, Alpine/Aylmerton and Couridjah.
- Gateshead fire, Lake Macquarie: Watch and act for a fire burning in the area of Dudley and Redhead.
Show us what's happening. Send your photos to stories@news.com.au
RFS volunteers perform a back-burn in Crane Rd, Lithgow. Pic John Grainger Source: News Limited
LIVE UPDATES
9.25pm
Saved the day
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill says awe-inspiring firefighters and volunteers who put their lives on the line have saved the day in NSW.
The Blue Mountains faced an unparalleled risk from raging fires today amid devastating conditions, but residents who fled their homes now have been told they can return.
The relieved mayor has told ABC TV they survived what was going to be the worst day of the bushfires because the firefighters, police emergency services and the people planning the operations were magnificent. Mr Greenhill's lavished praise on the awe-inspiring effort of the people running the firefighting operations.
8.50pm
Defence dodge
The Department of Defence would not confirm the RFS's findings, but Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said he was not happy at all and has not yet heard from the department.
"I would have thought the community of the Blue Mountains is owed something," he told the ABC.
Mr Greenhill said even though there was no fire ban on the day, the explosives exercise should not have gone ahead.
"I would have hoped on a day like that which was a dry day, a hot day, with the winds - the Australian military would have known it was not a good day to be igniting," he said.
"The fire has caused great concern to my community, great damage to my community and it just shouldn't have happened.
"It's the damage it does to the community and the stress it causes. There's the damage it does in terms of the risks taken by the firefighters, there's the damage it does in terms of the costs to the community in terms of fighting the fire.
"And it's still going."
8.20pm
RFS investigation: Defence did it
An emergency warning remains in place for fire burning near Dudley and Redhead, south-west of Newcastle. RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has also confirmed the exploded ordnance at an Army live firing range caused the Lithgow blaze.
"Investigations by NSW RFS fire investigators have determined the State Mine fire near Lithgow was started as a result of the live ordnance exercises on Marangaroo Army Range. The fire started on Wednesday October 2013. There were no total fire bans at the time."
The Defence investigation is continuing.
"Because of a day like today ... we really can't afford to be complacent," he said. Mr Fitzsimmons was visibly relieved at firefighters' progress. "The fire threat has eased," he said.
7.48pm
Via SkyNews Australia: Gateshead fire has crossed Redhead Road and is burning easterly between Dudley and Redhead towards the coast.
7.35pm
Defence fight fires, too
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said it shouldn't be forgotten that the Defence department had also provided a lot of firefighting assistance.
"I want to ensure that this doesn't detract from the efforts that defence have made over the past week in assisting the state's emergency services battle these fires," he told the Seven Network.
The RFS later said there were no total fire bans in place on October 16 when the Army started the fire.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said he was surprised backburning in the Blue Mountains had held out in the extreme fire conditions.
Authorities are preparing for a south westerly change on Thursday that will bring lower temperatures but could still pose a risk to some communities.
"It has the very real potential to present new challenges and particularly in the northern end of the Winmalee Springwood fire where you could see ... that fire could pose threats tomorrow to communities in the Yarramundi Valley area and communities up through Grose Valley and communities to the north east," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
He warned there was still a lot of difficult and dangerous firefighting ahead, possibly for weeks.
Premier Barry O'Farrell lauded the "magnificent planning and preparation" of the emergency services which helped avert the worst.
As of 6pm on Wednesday, there were still 73 fires burning in NSW and 29 uncontained blazes, but no further loss to property.
While the risk was averted, fire activity throughout the day instilled fear in many communities.
Minmi Hotel kitchen manager and chef Sharon Wilson was holed up inside the hotel waiting for instructions from firefighters during the day.
"We've been spraying the pub down and the grass around it," she told AAP.
"There's a lot of embers and ash flying over us."
Two schools were also evacuated in the Minmi area.
Springwood resident Rae Tebbutt said the atmosphere in the normally carefree community was tense.
"Everyone is terrified. I've got three friends who have lost everything," she told AAP.
Ten public schools in the Blue Mountains will remain closed on Thursday.
"The wide scale nature of school closures today will not continue tomorrow simply because the risk for those areas will not be as widespread and will not affect the broad area of the Blue Mountains," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
7.07pm
Good news
Springwood fire downgraded to 'Watch and Act'. "Properties are no longer under immediate threat."
6.59pm
THE Defence Department has reportedly admitted it started the massive State Mine Fire that has been burning around Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.
The Seven Network reports that Defence has confirmed to the NSW Rural Fire Service that it started the fire.
Premier Barry O'Farrell said he was aware the matter was being investigated.
"It wouldn't surprise me," he told Seven.
On Saturday, Defence said it had launched an investigation into whether the blaze was caused by explosives training which was being carried out on army land at Marrangaroo at the time the fire broke out.
6:30pm
Did Defence cause the 'megafire'?
The Defence Department has confessed it was responsible for the Lithgow State Mine blaze which destroyed several homes, a Channel 7 report said.
Defence and the RFS launched dual investigations at the weekend into whether army explosives training may have been responsible for the blaze.
Defence has not confirmed the report.
6:00pm
'Never before have we seen this'
The extent of damage and destruction the NSW fires have caused has never been seen before at this time of year, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
"Never before have we seen the extent of damage and destruction and wide-scale fire activity at this time of the year," he said.
The situation in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, west of Sydney, is unparalleled, he said.
"It's indicative of the unseasonably hot, dry conditions that have been building now through winter and into spring.
"And we need to remind ourselves that we've still got a long way to go as we look down the coming months into summer and the period of the bushfire danger period for NSW."
However, Mr Fitzsimmons said the state is in a better position than it was last night.
It is now safe for Blue Mountains residents from communities along the Great Western Highway to return home, he said, but not for those along the Bells Line of Road.
5:38pm
Major highway reopened
5:25pm
Scenes of disaster
There have been no reports of property loss today -- extraordinary given the conditions.
But let's not forget the fire crisis has already wrought horrific damage to properties across New South Wales this month. Take a look at these scenes from Winmalee in the Blue Mountains.
Lyndon Dunlop’s grandparents lived in this Winmalee home for 41 years, before it was destroyed on October 21. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Schweinsberg with her son David inspect her gutted home in Winmalee. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
5:05pm
'No one will breathe a sigh of relief'
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said the crisis in the Blue Mountains does not seem as bad as predicted, but there is still "a lot of day to go".
"No one will breathe a sigh of relief until this is all over," Mr O'Farrell told Sky News.
4:50pm
Where are the fire hotspots?
Some out-of-state readers have asked for some context around the location of the fires. These are the fire hotspots:
Minmi is an outer western suburb of Newcastle, 143km north of Sydney.
Lithgow is 150km west of Sydney.
Springwood is 72km west of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains.
Balmoral is 119km south east of Sydney, in the state's Southern Highlands.
Gateshead is a suburb of Lake Macquarie, located 12km from Newcastle's CBD.
4:27pm
Too close for comfort
4:20pm
"Don't return home too early"
Police have advised residents not to return to their homes in the Blue Mountains and Bells Line of Road too early.
They are urging residents to remain alert, as there are still dangerous conditions this afternoon. Residents should consider delaying their travel or making alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends.
If you don't have any other alternative, you are advised to attend the Information and Assistance Centre at either the Penrith Panthers or Lithgow Workers Club.
4:17pm
RFS updates
4:16pm
Aerial shot of the Gateshead fire
4:09pm
"No reprieve"
Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said strong hot winds are expected to continue through nightfall and will be followed by a dry and gusty southerly change.
"The winds are expected to continue right through to nightfall and beyond," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "There will be a swing around to a more southerly influence ... It will be a dry change though.
"There's not going to be a lot of reprive in wind strength tonight," Mr Fitzsimmons said, but the conditions could be favourable for fighting fires in areas such as the Bells Line of Road and Blackheath.
At the same time it could present new challenges to firefighters at other ends of the fires.
"It has the very real potential to present new challenges on the northern end of the Springwood fire.
"That fire could pose threats tomorrow to communities in the Yarramundi Valley area, and Grosevake further to the northeast."
The Minmi fire is currently being held at the M1, and the RFS is not reporting "any significant breakouts" yet. But the danger is still very real.
"The messages for all these fires is to shelter in place ... There are plenty of fire engines and firefighters in an around those areas," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
4:06pm
"It sparked up right in front of us"
3:54pm
"Fire intensity has picked up"
This is the latest Springwood fire update from the RFS website:
Fire intensity has picked up in the Faulconbridge and Springwood area, around Chapman Parade, Grose Road and Douglas Road due to the strong and gusty winds.
Burning embers are being blown towards homes. People in the area should be alert to burning embers.
Additional firefighters are being sent to the area. The Air Crane is working in the area.
An emergency alert telephone warning is being sent to people in the area.
3:49pm
Minmi residents can still leave
3:46pm
Update on children
Looks like someone miscounted the number of children in the Redhead school hall.
3:44pm
Photo
RFS Crews race to extinguish flare ups and spot fires before they breach containment lines on Mt Lagoon Rd, Bilpin Source: News Limited
3:42pm
Crash cam footage
RFS strike team members sent through this crash-cam footage from along the Bells Line of Road towards Dargan.
3:37pm
More children reported safe
3:33pm
Children evacuated
Police have advised parents and carers of students at a Newcastle school that they have been moved from the premises because of safety concerns.
Pupils who attend the Bishop Tyrell ANglican College at 256 Minmi Road, Fletcher, have been relocated to Federal Park in Boscawen Street at Wallsend.
All of the children are currently safe.
3:21pm
Forecast weather materialising
3:19pm
View from Leura
This photo, taken by Annabelle Hodgetts, shows the view from a backyard in Leura in the Blue Mountains.
Photo: Annabelle Hodgetts Source: Supplied
3:13pm
Air crane sent to Springwood fire
3:11pm
Firefighters ready to deploy
3:05pm
What do you grab when you're fleeing a fire?
News.com.au reporter Matt Young has talked to three people who were forced to flee from their homes this week.
He ran through the process of evacuation and asked them to detail their experiences.
Beth and Glen Wade-Ferrell pictured evacuating their Buena Vista Rd home, Winmalee with some possessions including his beloved camera and a computer hard drive. Source: News Limited
2:47pm
ANOTHER EMERGENCY WARNING
The RFS has issued a third emergency warning, this time for the Gateshead fire burning in the area of Dudley and Redhead.
"The fire is burning in a south-easterly direction towards Dudley and Redhead," the RFS said.
"If you are in the area of Dudley or Redhead, seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire."
2:42pm
Horse evacuation
2:35pm
NEW EMERGENCY WARNING
The Linksview Road fire has escalated further, and an official emergency warning has now been issued.
"Be alert to burning embers. Put out any spot fires which may start on your property," the RFS said.
2:20pm
Springwood fire update
The RFS has clarified the situation regarding the Linksview Road fire near Springwood.
This fire is still classified as "watch-and-act", but the RFS is sending out an emergency alert via telephone.
"The fire in the Springwood and Faulconbridge area has flared up. Burning embers are being blown towards homes in the area," the RFS said. "Additional firefighters are being sent to the area.
"If the fire impacts on your home, seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from the heat of the fire."
2:07pm
Emergency alerts for Springwood
Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has just delivered another update, saying the RFS is sending out emergency alert phone calls for the Linksview Road fire at Springwood.
"The strong winds are proving to be very difficult for firefighters, for aircraft, and is increasing the fire behaviour," he said.
"It serves as a key reminder that we need to remain vigilant. We've got many hours of this afternoon to go.
"Conditions are going to be worse across much of the fire weather area."
Mr Fitzsimmons spoke about previously reported fires near Minmi and Bilpin. He also warned that a number of fires seem to be starting up through the Putty region.
"We suspect there a few lightning strikes starting to emerge as fresh ignitions," he said.
2:05pm
Video footage of the Minmi fire
2:02pm
"I can see the fire from my roof"
This photo comes from Melissa Newman.
1:57pm
Looters strike
According to AAP, looters are taking advantage of an online charity set up to help teenage girls affected by the bushfires get ready for their formal.
The Firey Formal Dress Exchange was set up on Facebook to provide formal dresses, make-up and photography for graduating high school students who have lost everything in the NSW bushfires, news.com.au reported on Monday.
Maddi Ventura - a UTS journalism student - dreamed up an innovative innitiative to help bushfire victims. Source: News Limited
1:50pm
Who is this cool, calm fire chief?
Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has been a calm, reassuring voice amid the chaos of the bushfire crisis. But who is he, really?
News.com.au reporter Anthony Sharwood has written a profile of Mr Fitzsimmons, and it turns out he is no stranger to the tragic consequences of bushfires.
RFS commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons. Source: News Limited
1:43pm
Abbott hits back at UN
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has accused a UN official who linked the New South Wales fires to climate change of "talking through her hat" on radio station 3AW.
Christiana Figueres, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the NSW bushfires were proof that the world "is already paying the price of carbon", and also criticised the government's direct action policy.
Mr Abbott told 3AW "fire is a part of the Australian experience".
1:40pm
Photos
Helicopters waterbomb the Stockrington fire near Newcastle, which is threatening properties in the area. Pic: Neil Keene Source: News Limited
Near Mount Victoria, looking west towards Harley Vale where spot fires and winds have increased. Pic: Brad Hunter Source: News Limited
1:37pm
Another new fire
The RFS is responding to reports of a fire near Greendale.
1:34pm
Too close
1:28pm
M1 closed in both directions
All northbound and southbound lanes have now been closed. Northbound traffic is being diverted at George Booth Drive and southbound traffic is being directed onto John Renshaw Drive.
1:20pm
Firefighters struggling
1:18pm
"It came back with burnt little paws"
NSW Liberal state MP for the Blue Mountains Roza Sage has lived in the area for 32 years and says these fires are the worst she's ever seen.
But she says fire is a constant threat to people who live in the mountains.
"It's the Blue Mountains, we've got lots of trees, it's not a case of "if" but "when" fires will happen," she told AAP.
She's given her husband strict instructions on looking after their cats Missy and Beatrix if they have to evacuate from their Warrimoo home.
"If we have to leave the cats have got to be safe," she said. "They're so precious."
Local vets are keeping a register of lost and found pets and are treating injured animals for free, she said.
Ms Sage has been in contact with one young couple who evacuated their home but only managed to take one of their dogs with them because the other ran off terrified.
Their home survived but neighbours on either side weren't as lucky.
"The dog came back to the house the next morning with burnt little paws," Ms Sage said, tears filling her eyes.
A community recovery meeting is scheduled for Friday at the Winmalee High School at 7pm.
1:08pm
M1 partially closed
The M1 Motorway has been closed northbound near Newcastle because of the fire near Minmi.
1:01pm
"Newly born volcano"
12:57pm
Bushfires destroy TV home
A family home featured in Selling Houses Australia and affectionately dubbed "the gingerbread house" has been destroyed by the fires.
This house in Yellow Rock in the NSW Blue Mountains region featured on the Foxtel show Selling Houses Australia. It has been destroyed in the bushfires. Source: Supplied
12:53pm
The view from Mt Victoria
12:50pm
Minmi fire update
The RFS has issued another emergency warning for the Stockrington Road fire near Minmi, advising residents to leave.
"If you are in the area of Minmi, follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If your plan is to leave, leave now if the path is clear."
12:47pm
Lucky gecko
In this photo from AAP, a firefighter holds a gecko that escaped a bushfire in Bilpin.
Picture: AAP Source: AAP
12:45pm
Traffic updates
You can check NSW traffic here.
12:38pm
Update on the Linksview Road fire
This from the Rural Fire Service website:
Rain fell over the fire grounds last night and dampened fire activity. However, despite the rainfall, today's forecast hot, dry and windy conditions will see a return to dangerous fire conditions.
Fire is burning in areas near Grose Rd and Chapman Parade. Winmalee residents may see fire activity, including smoke, from backburning between Springwood Ridge and Blue Gum Swap Creek, north of St Columba's High School.
More than 90 firefighters are working to consolidate containment lines, as conditions allow.
12:33pm
Before and after
These two satellite images, placed side by side, show the damage the fires have done.
12:30pm
Two new fires
12:28pm
Children relocated
12:22pm
EMERGENCY WARNING
An emergency warning is now in place for a fire burning in the area of Stockrington Road, west of the M1 Motorway.
The fire is burning towards Minmi, and may threaten the M1 Motorway north of the Newcastle Link Road Interchange.
"If you are in the area of Stockrington Road or Minmi, seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire," the warning advises.
12:06pm
New fires reported
RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has just delivered another update, confirming that several new fires have been reported:
- One fire near Stockrington Road, Minmi. There are crews on the scene assessing the situation right now.
- Another fire near Putty Road, between Colo Heights and Putty. An aircrane has been sent in to attempt containment.
"We are likely to see warnings develop in the very near future," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
The commissioner said many residents have heeded the service's warnings and evacuated their homes.
"A number of people have made the decision to go down, have a cup of tea and sit the day out, out of harm's way," he said. "Not being there is clearly your safest option."
11:50am
Photos
Rural Fire Crews doing back burn and asset prevention, at work on Mt York Road in Mt Victoria. Picture: Mooy Sam Source: News Limited
Rural Fire Service Captain Jim Commens doing back-burn and asset prevention work on Mt York Road in Mt Victoria Picture: Mooy Sam Source: News Limited
11:42am
Smoke rises above the mountains
11:40am
O'Farrell fires up
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell labelled attempts by businesses to price gouge off the back of the natural disaster as "bastardry".
"We have had an incident overnight where a landlord tried to ratchet up rent in the Blue Mountains," Mr O'Farrell said.
"This is unconscionable behaviour.
"An investigation is taking place… Fair Trading can name and shame those individuals."
11:35am
Fire map
11:18am
Teens arrested for stealing charity box
Two boys, aged 13 and 15, have been arrested for allegedly stealing a charity collection box from a Springwood cafe on Monday.
The 13-year-old was charged with shoplifting and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear in children's court today.
The 15-year-old boy was charged with possession of a prohibited drug and larceny. He was granted conditional bail to appear in a children's court on Monday, December 9.
The police say they are confident of identifying further offenders.
11:15am
Wind impeding aircraft
RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says high winds are impeding firefighters' efforts to contain the fires.
"The temperatures are increasing, the winds are strengthening and we've still got many hours of the day to get through with this bad weather," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
"Some of the water bombing aircraft, the activity is proving not to be particularly effective ... Sometimes with the lighter aircraft the winds are so strong you can actually have a negligible effect."
Wind also impedes the safe execution of back-burning operations, which already suffered a setback due to cooler conditions overnight.
10:58am
Lots and lots of firetrucks
10:53am
Water bombing suspended
All water bombing has stopped in the Blue Mountains because the winds have become too strong for helicopters.
10:49am
Firefighters grab a chance to rest
10:44am
Photo
Dozens of Fire Trucks, including those from Queensland and Melbourne, were staged near Flemington Street, Homebush during the night. Pic: Bill Hearne Source: News Limited
10:30am
What to wear
This is the sort of clothing you should wear to protect yourself.
A Beresfield home has reportedly been destroyed by fire.
10:23am
All guns blazing
The RFS is clearly throwing every available resource at the fires. A reader sent in this video of a seemingly endless line of firetrucks travelling along the M4 motorway.
"After the video 17 more came past and then 28 SES vehicles."
10:14am
Don't be stupid
10:07am
Evacuation centres
Springwood Sports Club - 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood
Lithgow Workers Club - 3-7 Tank Street, Lithgow
North Richmond Community Hall - 33 William Street, North Richmond
10:04am
Apocalyptic photo
9:59am
Pet advice
Police are advising residents who have decided to leave the Blue Mountains area and need assistance with the care and housing of their pets to go to the Information and Assistance Centre at 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith.
Department of Primary Industry staff will help organise housing and care for their pets.
Remember the following:
- Domestic pets should be collared and on leads
- Bring food and any medications if required
- Bring cages where possible for domestic pets
- All property and animals should be clearly tagged with the owner's name, address and contact details, including a mobile phone number
9:48am
Photos
(Photo: Simon Peppercorn) Source: Supplied
Kerri McGrath turns her head away from the heat. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited
9:43am
"Look out for one another"
The RFS has posted a message from commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons to RFS members on Facebook.
"As I have stated quite publicly in recent days, the forecast weather conditions, combined with the large amount of fires already burning, are about as bad as it gets," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
"Thank you to every single person who has played a role and who will continue to play an important role. We must recognise that for so many of our own, it has been really tough going and a very emotional experience.
"Please look out for one another and take care of yourselves. We want everyone - our own people and the people they are seeking to protect - to return home safe to their families and homes at the end of their shift or when the threat eases."
9:31am
Riot squads sighted
9:28am
Photos
Photo: Alexandra Murphy Source: Supplied
Photo: Alexandra Murphy Source: Supplied
9:16am
Dangerous weather materialising
RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is in an unambiguous mood. He says weather conditions in NSW are materialising in line with the alarming forecasts we've seen over the last few days.
"What we are seeing already is wind strengthening to 50-70km/h," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "We're seeing the clouds burn off.
"It is only a matter of hours before we see a flare up of fire activity."
The commissioner asked residents to remain vigilant and alert authorities to any fire activity.
"If you see a fire, call 000," he said. "Do not assume someone else is dialling in that fire ... Minutes really matter."
Lightning strikes have already caused some spot fires across the state.
"The lightninght continues," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "We've already had reported some fire activity in western NSW as a result of lightning activity."
Mr Fitzsimmons told residents to avoid complacency.
"This is not a day off to go out and have a good time," he said. "(Children) are not at school for a reason, so they can be looked after by their loved ones.
"We cannot afford for complacency to set in."
9:11am
One small moment of relaxation
9:08am
"We will get through this"
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says now is the time to leave for residents who haven't prepared themselves.
"We hope, of course, that today's conditions, today's potential events, do not occur," Mr O'Farrell said.
"As the commissioner has said, we have planned for the worst but we continue to hope for the best.
"Whatever happens today, we're not out of the woods."
There was a note of optimism in the Premier's remarks.
"We will get through this because of the extraordinary effort being put in by ... our firefighters and the people that are supporting them in local control centres," he said.
9:01am
"Please God ... I'll owe you"
Lindsay's Cafe in Faulconbridge is unnervingly close to the action.
8:55am
"Only one road out"
One Tweet encapsulates the difficulty of evacuation for many residents.
8:23am
Danger ratings
Here are today's fire danger ratings:
Greater Sydney - Extreme
Southern Ranges - High
Central Ranges - Very High
Greater Hunter - Extreme
North Western - Very High
Illawarra/Shoalhaven - Very High
8:00am
Photos
The Duffy's Forest crew conducting back burning at a property on Mountain Lagoon Road, Bilpin. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited
A reader photo of the fires at sunset in Sydney's west. Picture: Nitin Saksena Source: News Limited
7:15am
"Pack the car now"
NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher has asked residents not to complicate the situation.
"If you don't have a plan, quite simply let me give you one," Mr Gallacher said.
"Pack the car now, come down the mountain."
7:05am
Morning briefing
Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the crisis is far from over.
"We can't afford to think today will be OK," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
"We need to be very vigilant ... There is very real potential for new fires to start, take hold and spread quickly."
Mr Fitzsimmons said the smattering of rain overnight will make no discernible difference to fire behaviour today.
"Overnight we've received drizzle, showers and a bit of rainfall," he said. "Right across the fire grounds it would appear at this stage lucky to be getting up to 5mm of rain."
Volatile and unstable weather during the night, including extensive lightning, forced the RFS to withdraw firetrucks for safety concerns. This morning, wind gusts are already reaching 70km/h.
"There's a long way to go today and indeed there will be a lot of activity beyond today in terms of trying to bring these fires under control," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
6:58am
Photos
The Duffy's Forest crew conducting back burning at a property on Mountain Lagoon Road, Bilpin. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited
A firefighter tries to put part of the back burning operation out in Dargan, Blue Mountains with his foot. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited
6:50am
Firefighters set up base camp
A base camp for more than 350 firefighters, including 200 officers from Fire and Rescue NSW stations, has been set up at Sydney's Olympic Park.
As part of the makeshift operational base set up at the sporting ground, NSW firefighters will bunk down in the change rooms at Skoda Stadium.
A contingent of mechanics, engineers and logistic support staff are also at the base camp, which also accommodates 120 fire trucks.
Among the officers on hand are FRNSW's newest recruits, who have only been in the job for five weeks and are helping with NSW's worst bushfires in decades.
The base camp was set up by urban search and rescue specialists using the same resources deployed during the Japan Tsunami and Christchurch earthquake in 2011.
FRNSW said in a statement FireAir1 would also be deployed to Skoda Stadium on Wednesday to prepare for worsening fire conditions.
"The Sydney Olympic Park base of operations is part of one of the largest mobilisations of fire engines and fire officers in the history of the organisation," FRNSW said in the statement.
A similar Rural Fire Service base camp is also in place at the Penrith Panthers Club and will accommodate 800 personnel.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
- If your life is at risk, call 000.
- Official updates are available on the RFS website, or you can call 1800 679 737
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- The Salvation Army is running a bushfires appeal. Phone 137 258 or visit the Salvos' website.
- Donate to the Red Cross by phoning 1800 811 700 or visiting the Red Cross website.
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