A number of homes have been lost in a fast-moving, out-of-control grassfire burning near Carwoola in New South Wales, as police warn that number may grow once more information comes to light.

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Despite the warning being downgraded to watch and act just after 8:00pm, the 2,700-hectare fire is still burning out-of-control in an easterly direction near Queanbeyan in the area of Captains Flat Road at Carwoola.

There are currently 89 bushfires and grassfires burning across the state, with 71 uncontained so far — many that are believed to have been started by lightning strikes.

Queanbeyan Police Superintendent Rod Smith told ABC Radio Canberra many houses had been lost in the Carwoola fire, and the number was expected to increase.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) confirmed there had been "extensive property losses" but said the exact number would not be known until conditions eased.

The Carwoola fire remains out of control. ( ABC News: Nick Haggarty )

Earlier on Friday two firefighters were injured in the blaze and were taken to hospital, neither with serious injuries.

Many people in the areas of Hoskintown, Rossi or Forbes Creek are either sheltering in their homes or at emergency evacuation centres.

The RFS has advised people in Primrose Valley and the Captains Flat township not to leave, as the road north is affected by fire.

On Friday afternoon school children travelling on buses were redirected to the Q Theatre at Queanbeyan where an evacuation centre had been set up.

Another evacuation centre is located in the hall at the Bungendore Public School.

Large firefighting aircraft are assisting crews and trucks are being brought in from the surrounding region.

More than 120 firefighters and support staff have been sent from the Canberra region to help battle the blaze.

Sorry, this video has expired Siobhan Heanue reports from the RFS HQ

Firefighters try to protect pine plantation in Oberon region

The NSW RFS said it was also concerned about the number of fires in the Oberon area in the central tablelands.

"There have actually been four fires in the Oberon area this afternoon, firefighters are working hard at a number of those fires to stop them spreading into a pine plantation, as well as protecting property," Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said.

The blaze has burnt out about 270 hectares. ( ABC Radio Canberra: Ainslie MacGibbon )

"We're also aware of how much local industry relies on those things like the plantations so we're doing our best to protect that level of infrastructure."

An emergency warning for another grassfire burning near Belubula Way, to the west of Mandurama in the state's central west, has been downgraded to a watch and act.

The blaze has already burnt out 270 hectares.

The RFS said conditions were easing and firefighters were now slowly bringing the fire under control.