Let's recap

Alright, let's do a stocktake of the situation.

There are currently three emergency-level fires burning in NSW at Gospers Mountain, Green Wattle Creek and Kerry Ridge. At least 20 buildings have been destroyed in the south-west, but estimates are early and likely very conservative — the RFS says it could take some time before it's able to conduct a damage assessment.

We also know at least one house at Burrill Lake was destroyed by the Currowan fire on the south coast, which is now burning at watch and act.

At 5:30pm, the RFS said 106 fires were burning with 53 of those not yet contained.

It's cooler now and a southerly wind has cleared out much of the smoke from Sydney. But the night's not over. Fire crews will be working through the evening and more and more residents caught in the massive Gospers Mountain fire are being told it's too late to leave.

Tomorrow will be more manageable but still potentially dangerous. A severe fire warning is in place tomorrow for the Central Ranges and a very high fire danger has been issued for the Southern Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western and South Slopes.

Sydney will be significantly cooler than today, with the mercury predicted to hover between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. Out further west towards Penrith it will be between 18 and 33.

The state will be bracing for Saturday, however. The RFS and BOM will be providing updates in the morning about what to expect.