- A rapidly-moving bushfire has struck Nepean River at Mulgoa, NSW on Sunday
- Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze as it heads to the Blue Mountains
- No homes are in immediate danger but residents are urged to monitor the fire
- Christmas Day will bring some relief with temperatures around 20°C in Sydney
As temperatures in New South Wales soar above 41°C on Christmas Eve, a rapidly-moving fire is devouring bushland in Sydney’s west.
Firefighting are battling the blaze as it moves towards the Nepean River at Mulgoa, assisted by water-bombing aircraft that were sent to help fight the flames.
‘There are reports the fire has spotted across the Nepean River [and] into the Blue Mountains National Park,’ said the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) on their website.
A rapidly-moving fire is devouring bushland in Sydney’s west as temperatures soared to 41°C
Firefighting are battling a quickly-moving blaze as it moves towards the Napean River, Mulgoa
As smoke drifts towards the Glenbrook and Lapstone areas, the RFS has warned residents that fires can be ‘difficult to control’ in such hot, dry conditions and urged locals to monitor the situation.
‘Embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.’
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Mulgoa Road has been re-opened after being closed earlier, but Fairlight Road and Mayfair Road are closed to all motorists except for local residents.
Thankfully, there are currently no homes under immediate threat, however the RFS has confirmed that firefighters will remain on the fireground over night in an effort to ‘identify containment lines and gain control of the fire’.
More favourable weather conditions are expected on Christmas Day, with temperatures around 20°C and the chance of a shower.
The RFS has warned residents that fires can be ‘difficult to control’ in such hot, dry conditions