Emergency warnings have been issued for four out-of-control bushfires in NSW and at least two homes have been destroyed as the state experiences hot and windy conditions.

The Rural Fire Service has issued the warnings for fires at Tenterfield, Drake and Legume in northern NSW and Bees Nest near Armidale.

“Records will indicate we have never seen in NSW fire danger ratings in this part of the state to the level we’re experiencing here today,” RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters on Friday.

More than 100 #FRNSW trucks are attending storm and bushfire-related incidents across Sydney. For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

For all floods & storms, call the SES: 132 500

For bushfire information, call the NSW Rural Fire Service: 1800 679 737. pic.twitter.com/6vI24smXTT — Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) September 6, 2019

The blaze in Tenterfield, which has destroyed at least two houses and a tyre business, is burning in a southeasterly direction along Scrub Road and has impacted Laird Street, Francis Street, King Lane, Scott Lane and Trail Lane.

“It is too late to leave,” the RFS said in its warning. “Residents should seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.”

The Drake fire on Long Gully Road is burning in remote terrain southwest of the village.

Residents there have also been told “it is too late to leave”.

Another fire in nearby Legume, on Flagstone Road, is burning in a south easterly direction with residents told the seek shelter as the blaze approaches.

The bushfire at Bees Nest, northeast of Armidale, has burned through almost 10,000 hectares.

“The fire has crossed Guy Fawkes River and is moving toward Marengo Road. Crews are being assisted by water-bombing aircraft,” the RFS said in its emergency warning.

Further south, the alert level for a fire in the regional town of Lidsdale has been downgraded to “watch and act” with winds easing across the fireground.

A total fire ban has been declared across Sydney and much of NSW’s north due to warm, dry and windy conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an extreme fire danger warning for the north coast, New England and northern slopes regions on Friday.

A severe fire danger warning is in place for the greater Sydney region, the Hunter, the far north coast, the central ranges and the northwest of the state.

Sydneysiders are banned from lighting fires in the open, including incinerators and BBQs that burn wood, charcoal or heat beads.

Welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting is also banned in the open.

“There’s a lot of fuel on the ground,” Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Superintendent Rob Jansen said

“Any fires, particularly with a strong wind behind them, will run really quickly and people can get caught out.

“Be vigilant, be careful in what activities you undertake particularly in these fire ban weather.”

Warialda in the state’s northwest was expected to reach 34C on Friday while the temperature was forecast to hit 33C in Wauchope and Scone was expecting 30C.

Sydney peaked at 30C, and strong westerly winds hit the city in evening.

For the latest fire warnings and updates visit: rfs.nsw.gov.au