An out-of-control bushfire is causing traffic chaos, with the Hume Highway closed to all traffic and motorists warned to turn around.
The blaze, which started just after 12pm near Wingello in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, crossed the highway and is causing major delays.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning drivers travelling on the highway to turn back as it issues Emergency Alert Telephone warnings to local residents.
An out-of-control bushfire is causing traffic chaos, with the Hume Highway closed to all traffic and motorists warned to turn around (pictured is traffic brought to a standstill)
The blaze (pictured), which started just after 12pm near Wingello in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, crossed the highway and is causing major delays
Those in the Hanging Rock area who plan to leave are advised to do so immediately in a northerly direction towards Sydney if the road is clear.
32 firefighters in nine fire trucks were working to stop the fire from spreading alongside aircraft including the Large Air Tanker,The Illawarra Mercury reported.
RFS spokesman James Morris said more crews were on their way to the area to fight the blaze, ABC News reported.
‘We have sent out an emergency alert for those people in the direct impact of the fire run there,’ he said.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning drivers travelling on the highway (pictured) to turn around as it issues Emergency Alert Telephone warnings to local residents
Those in the Hanging Rock area who plan to leave are advised to do so immediately in a northerly direction towards Sydney if the road is clear (pictured is halted traffic on the Hume Highway)
‘We have advised them that if you plan is to leave, now is the time to leave and make sure you only head in a northerly direction away from the fire front.’
Residents in Wingello and Penrose may be affected by smoke from the fire, and the RFS is warning only those ‘physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions’ should stay to defend their homes.
Total Fire Bans are in place across much of New South Wales, with 11 uncontained fires burning across the state.
RFS spokesman James Morris said more crews were on their way to the area to fight the blaze (pictured are motorists affected by the road closure)
Temperatures have soared close to 40 degrees in parts of Western New South Wales, hitting 38.8 in White Cliffs.
Sydney has been hit by scorching conditions, with the September record high broken in Penrith.
NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the dry air and strong winds were increasing the risk of fire, Nine News reported.
‘No fires can be lit in the open today, we want to limit the number of fires we have to deal with,’ he said.
Residents in Wingello and Penrose may be affected by smoke from the bushfire (pictured)