POLICE detained two eight-year-old boys near East Maitland on the NSW North Coast last night after they were found trying to start a fire.

Officers found the boys trying to use a lighter to set fire to dried leaves and grass on vacant land near Quarry St around 6:30pm AEST.

A concerned resident called police to the scene and the lighter was later found to be "inoperable", the law enforcement agency said in a statement.

No charges were laid because of their age.

Police had a word to the boys once their parents were located and filed "child at risk notifications" to the Department of Community Services.

Police pleaded with parents and carers to be aware of what their children are doing.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the State Mine Fire near Lithgow had been started by live ordnance exercises on Defence force Marangaroo Army Range on Wednesday October 2013.

A Defence investigation is continuing.

The damage and destruction from yesterday's bushfires have caused was unprecedented for this time of year, NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

But miraculously, no lives were lost or homes destroyed. All major fires were downgraded to "watch and act"overnight.

"Never before have we seen the extent of damage and destruction and wide-scale fire activity at this time of the year," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

If you chose to leave the Blue Mountains today, it should be safe to return in the next hour or so - but be aware of fire activity #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

If you're from communities along the Bells Line, there is still a lot of fire. There is still a threat to these communities. #nswrfs — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

Stockrington Rd Fire: The fire has been regraded to Watch & Act http://t.co/0ccF5QtDqZ It remains uncontained, please remain vigilant — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

Here's what we know so far:

- Firefighters battled 71 fires, 29 of which were uncontained, with two at emergency level.

- Two schools evacuated in Minmi and the M1 Motorway was partially closed.

- Looters took advantage of the desperate situation. Two teenage boys were arrested today for allegedly stealing a charity collection box from a Springwood cafe, and an online charity set up to help teenage girls affected by the bushfires has also fallen victim to a looter.

MAJOR FIRE HOTSPOTS

- Stockrington Road Fire, Minmi: Watch and act for fire heading towards Minmi and threatening the M1 Motorway. The M1 is closed northbound.

- State Mine Fire, Lithgow: Watch-and-act alert for fire burning near the township of Bell, as well as Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence.

- Springwood/Faulconbridge: Watch and act for a fire in the Springwood area which has burned more than 3000 hectares so far.

- Balmoral, Southern Highlands: Watch-and-act alert for a 15,292-hectare fire burning in the Southern Highlands near Yerrinbool, Balmoral, Yanderra, Pheasants Nest, Wilton, Bargo, Buxton, Hill Top, Alpine/Aylmerton and Couridjah.

- Gateshead fire, Lake Macquarie: Watch and act for a fire burning in the area of Dudley and Redhead.

Show us what's happening. Send your photos to stories@news.com.au

News_Image_File: RFS volunteers perform a back-burn in Crane Rd, Lithgow. Pic John Grainger

LIVE UPDATES

9.25pm

Saved the day

Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill says awe-inspiring firefighters and volunteers who put their lives on the line have saved the day in NSW.

The Blue Mountains faced an unparalleled risk from raging fires today amid devastating conditions, but residents who fled their homes now have been told they can return.

The relieved mayor has told ABC TV they survived what was going to be the worst day of the bushfires because the firefighters, police emergency services and the people planning the operations were magnificent. Mr Greenhill's lavished praise on the awe-inspiring effort of the people running the firefighting operations.

8.50pm

Defence dodge

The Department of Defence would not confirm the RFS's findings, but Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said he was not happy at all and has not yet heard from the department.

"I would have thought the community of the Blue Mountains is owed something," he told the ABC.

Mr Greenhill said even though there was no fire ban on the day, the explosives exercise should not have gone ahead.

"I would have hoped on a day like that which was a dry day, a hot day, with the winds - the Australian military would have known it was not a good day to be igniting," he said.

"The fire has caused great concern to my community, great damage to my community and it just shouldn't have happened.

"It's the damage it does to the community and the stress it causes. There's the damage it does in terms of the risks taken by the firefighters, there's the damage it does in terms of the costs to the community in terms of fighting the fire.

"And it's still going."

8.20pm

RFS investigation: Defence did it

An emergency warning remains in place for fire burning near Dudley and Redhead, south-west of Newcastle. RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has also confirmed the exploded ordnance at an Army live firing range caused the Lithgow blaze.

"Investigations by NSW RFS fire investigators have determined the State Mine fire near Lithgow was started as a result of the live ordnance exercises on Marangaroo Army Range. The fire started on Wednesday October 2013. There were no total fire bans at the time."

The Defence investigation is continuing.

"Because of a day like today ... we really can't afford to be complacent," he said. Mr Fitzsimmons was visibly relieved at firefighters' progress. "The fire threat has eased," he said.

7.48pm

Via SkyNews Australia: Gateshead fire has crossed Redhead Road and is burning easterly between Dudley and Redhead towards the coast.

7.35pm

Defence fight fires, too

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said it shouldn't be forgotten that the Defence department had also provided a lot of firefighting assistance.

"I want to ensure that this doesn't detract from the efforts that defence have made over the past week in assisting the state's emergency services battle these fires," he told the Seven Network.

The RFS later said there were no total fire bans in place on October 16 when the Army started the fire.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said he was surprised backburning in the Blue Mountains had held out in the extreme fire conditions.

Authorities are preparing for a south westerly change on Thursday that will bring lower temperatures but could still pose a risk to some communities.

"It has the very real potential to present new challenges and particularly in the northern end of the Winmalee Springwood fire where you could see ... that fire could pose threats tomorrow to communities in the Yarramundi Valley area and communities up through Grose Valley and communities to the north east," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

He warned there was still a lot of difficult and dangerous firefighting ahead, possibly for weeks.

Premier Barry O'Farrell lauded the "magnificent planning and preparation" of the emergency services which helped avert the worst.

As of 6pm on Wednesday, there were still 73 fires burning in NSW and 29 uncontained blazes, but no further loss to property.

While the risk was averted, fire activity throughout the day instilled fear in many communities.

Minmi Hotel kitchen manager and chef Sharon Wilson was holed up inside the hotel waiting for instructions from firefighters during the day.

"We've been spraying the pub down and the grass around it," she told AAP.

"There's a lot of embers and ash flying over us."

Two schools were also evacuated in the Minmi area.

Springwood resident Rae Tebbutt said the atmosphere in the normally carefree community was tense.

"Everyone is terrified. I've got three friends who have lost everything," she told AAP.

Ten public schools in the Blue Mountains will remain closed on Thursday.

"The wide scale nature of school closures today will not continue tomorrow simply because the risk for those areas will not be as widespread and will not affect the broad area of the Blue Mountains," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

7.07pm

Good news

Springwood fire downgraded to 'Watch and Act'. "Properties are no longer under immediate threat."

6.59pm

THE Defence Department has reportedly admitted it started the massive State Mine Fire that has been burning around Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.

The Seven Network reports that Defence has confirmed to the NSW Rural Fire Service that it started the fire.

Premier Barry O'Farrell said he was aware the matter was being investigated.

"It wouldn't surprise me," he told Seven.

On Saturday, Defence said it had launched an investigation into whether the blaze was caused by explosives training which was being carried out on army land at Marrangaroo at the time the fire broke out.

6:30pm

Did Defence cause the 'megafire'?

The Defence Department has confessed it was responsible for the Lithgow State Mine blaze which destroyed several homes, a Channel 7 report said.

Defence and the RFS launched dual investigations at the weekend into whether army explosives training may have been responsible for the blaze.

Defence has not confirmed the report.

6:00pm

'Never before have we seen this'

The extent of damage and destruction the NSW fires have caused has never been seen before at this time of year, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

"Never before have we seen the extent of damage and destruction and wide-scale fire activity at this time of the year," he said.

The situation in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, west of Sydney, is unparalleled, he said.

"It's indicative of the unseasonably hot, dry conditions that have been building now through winter and into spring.

"And we need to remind ourselves that we've still got a long way to go as we look down the coming months into summer and the period of the bushfire danger period for NSW."

However, Mr Fitzsimmons said the state is in a better position than it was last night.

It is now safe for Blue Mountains residents from communities along the Great Western Highway to return home, he said, but not for those along the Bells Line of Road.

5:38pm

Major highway reopened

Stockrington Rd Fire: The M1 has reopened southbound. Northbound lanes remain closed. #nswfires #nswrfs — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

5:25pm

Scenes of disaster

There have been no reports of property loss today -- extraordinary given the conditions.

But let's not forget the fire crisis has already wrought horrific damage to properties across New South Wales this month. Take a look at these scenes from Winmalee in the Blue Mountains.

News_Image_File: Lyndon Dunlop's grandparents lived in this Winmalee home for 41 years, before it was destroyed on October 21. Picture: Getty News_Image_File: Jennifer Schweinsberg with her son David inspect her gutted home in Winmalee. Picture: AFP

5:05pm

'No one will breathe a sigh of relief'

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said the crisis in the Blue Mountains does not seem as bad as predicted, but there is still "a lot of day to go".

"No one will breathe a sigh of relief until this is all over," Mr O'Farrell told Sky News.

4:50pm

Where are the fire hotspots?

Some out-of-state readers have asked for some context around the location of the fires. These are the fire hotspots:

Minmi is an outer western suburb of Newcastle, 143km north of Sydney.

Lithgow is 150km west of Sydney.

Springwood is 72km west of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains.

Balmoral is 119km south east of Sydney, in the state's Southern Highlands.

Gateshead is a suburb of Lake Macquarie, located 12km from Newcastle's CBD.

4:27pm

Too close for comfort

The view outside my house. Dudley Bluff is at the end of the street #nswfires pic.twitter.com/0kVa7jjKCC — Eve Nesmith (@ausjourno) October 23, 2013

4:20pm

"Don't return home too early"

Police have advised residents not to return to their homes in the Blue Mountains and Bells Line of Road too early.

They are urging residents to remain alert, as there are still dangerous conditions this afternoon. Residents should consider delaying their travel or making alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends.

If you don't have any other alternative, you are advised to attend the Information and Assistance Centre at either the Penrith Panthers or Lithgow Workers Club.

"We know you want to go home and we will let you know when it is safe to do so". #nswrfs #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

4:17pm

RFS updates

Watch & Act - State Mine: http://t.co/OujFxx7lBj New evac centre - Penrith RSL - 8 Tindale Street, Penrith. #NSWRFS #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

Gateshead Fire: Fire crossed Redhead Rd moving easterly between Dudley & Redhead, through Awabakal Nature Reserve http://t.co/XH8ZBzmBn9 — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

4:16pm

Aerial shot of the Gateshead fire

4:09pm

"No reprieve"

Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said strong hot winds are expected to continue through nightfall and will be followed by a dry and gusty southerly change.

"The winds are expected to continue right through to nightfall and beyond," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "There will be a swing around to a more southerly influence ... It will be a dry change though.

"There's not going to be a lot of reprive in wind strength tonight," Mr Fitzsimmons said, but the conditions could be favourable for fighting fires in areas such as the Bells Line of Road and Blackheath.

At the same time it could present new challenges to firefighters at other ends of the fires.

"It has the very real potential to present new challenges on the northern end of the Springwood fire.

"That fire could pose threats tomorrow to communities in the Yarramundi Valley area, and Grosevake further to the northeast."

The Minmi fire is currently being held at the M1, and the RFS is not reporting "any significant breakouts" yet. But the danger is still very real.

"The messages for all these fires is to shelter in place ... There are plenty of fire engines and firefighters in an around those areas," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

4:06pm

"It sparked up right in front of us"

This fire sparked up right in front of us - grew at an alarming rate before nearby firies put it out #2GBNews pic.twitter.com/3iwtks6TkR — Gemma Bath (@gembath) October 23, 2013

3:54pm

"Fire intensity has picked up"

This is the latest Springwood fire update from the RFS website:

Fire intensity has picked up in the Faulconbridge and Springwood area, around Chapman Parade, Grose Road and Douglas Road due to the strong and gusty winds.

Burning embers are being blown towards homes. People in the area should be alert to burning embers.

Additional firefighters are being sent to the area. The Air Crane is working in the area.

An emergency alert telephone warning is being sent to people in the area.

3:49pm

Minmi residents can still leave

Stockrington: Fire is west of Freeway - has not crossed at this stage. Minmi residents wishing to leave may still do so if path is clear. — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

3:46pm

Update on children

Looks like someone miscounted the number of children in the Redhead school hall.

UPDATE 15 children remain in Redhead school hall, not 60. All remain safe & well. parents should not try to pick up - fire activity on roads — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

3:44pm

Photo

News_Image_File: RFS Crews race to extinguish flare ups and spot fires before they breach containment lines on Mt Lagoon Rd, Bilpin

3:42pm

Crash cam footage

RFS strike team members sent through this crash-cam footage from along the Bells Line of Road towards Dargan.

3:37pm

More children reported safe

Gateshead Fire: Approx 60 children safe & well in Redhead School Hall, Parents urged not to pick up kids due to fire activity on local roads — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

3:33pm

Children evacuated

Police have advised parents and carers of students at a Newcastle school that they have been moved from the premises because of safety concerns.

Pupils who attend the Bishop Tyrell ANglican College at 256 Minmi Road, Fletcher, have been relocated to Federal Park in Boscawen Street at Wallsend.

All of the children are currently safe.

3:21pm

Forecast weather materialising

Parts of Sydney have now reached the Extreme fire danger conditions that were predicted for today. #NSWRFS #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

3:19pm

View from Leura

This photo, taken by Annabelle Hodgetts, shows the view from a backyard in Leura in the Blue Mountains.

News_Image_File: Photo: Annabelle Hodgetts

3:13pm

Air crane sent to Springwood fire

Linksview Road Fire, Springwood. The Air Crane has been sent to the area. #NSWRFS #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

3:11pm

Firefighters ready to deploy

Fire fighters ready to be deployed to defend Minmi homes if fire jumps M1. 10 crews on oval. V smoky @1233newcastle pic.twitter.com/LGCj8RU7c3 — ben millington (@bmillington) October 23, 2013

3:05pm

What do you grab when you're fleeing a fire?

News.com.au reporter Matt Young has talked to three people who were forced to flee from their homes this week.

He ran through the process of evacuation and asked them to detail their experiences.

News_Image_File: Beth and Glen Wade-Ferrell pictured evacuating their Buena Vista Rd home, Winmalee with some possessions including his beloved camera and a computer hard drive.

2:47pm

ANOTHER EMERGENCY WARNING

The RFS has issued a third emergency warning, this time for the Gateshead fire burning in the area of Dudley and Redhead.

"The fire is burning in a south-easterly direction towards Dudley and Redhead," the RFS said.

"If you are in the area of Dudley or Redhead, seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire."

2:42pm

Horse evacuation

@newscomauHQ RT, Contact DPI or HeavyHorseHeaven early to evac horses, this pic shows an evac now #nswfires #scary pic.twitter.com/ElJnk0jRPh — Bec Armstrong (@BecArmstrong) October 23, 2013

2:35pm

NEW EMERGENCY WARNING

The Linksview Road fire has escalated further, and an official emergency warning has now been issued.

"Be alert to burning embers. Put out any spot fires which may start on your property," the RFS said.

Rising temps, lowering humidity & very gusty winds are causing flare ups around Bilpin & Mt Lagoon. Fire has not crossed E of Mt Lagoon Rd. — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

2:20pm

Springwood fire update

The RFS has clarified the situation regarding the Linksview Road fire near Springwood.

This fire is still classified as "watch-and-act", but the RFS is sending out an emergency alert via telephone.

"The fire in the Springwood and Faulconbridge area has flared up. Burning embers are being blown towards homes in the area," the RFS said. "Additional firefighters are being sent to the area.

"If the fire impacts on your home, seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from the heat of the fire."

2:07pm

Emergency alerts for Springwood

Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has just delivered another update, saying the RFS is sending out emergency alert phone calls for the Linksview Road fire at Springwood.

"The strong winds are proving to be very difficult for firefighters, for aircraft, and is increasing the fire behaviour," he said.

"It serves as a key reminder that we need to remain vigilant. We've got many hours of this afternoon to go.

"Conditions are going to be worse across much of the fire weather area."

Mr Fitzsimmons spoke about previously reported fires near Minmi and Bilpin. He also warned that a number of fires seem to be starting up through the Putty region.

"We suspect there a few lightning strikes starting to emerge as fresh ignitions," he said.

State Mine: Bilpin & Berambing are experiencing increased fire activity. Additional units have been sent to assist. #nswfires #NSWRFS — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

2:05pm

Video footage of the Minmi fire

News_Rich_Media: RFS helicopter captures video above a bushfire near Minmi, Lake Macquarie. Courtesy NSW Rural Fire Service.

2:02pm

"I can see the fire from my roof"

This photo comes from Melissa Newman.

I can see the fire from my roof. I should probs leave right. #nswfires pic.twitter.com/rgua8o1Txj — Melissa Newman (@MelJayNewman) October 23, 2013

1:57pm

Looters strike

According to AAP, looters are taking advantage of an online charity set up to help teenage girls affected by the bushfires get ready for their formal.

The Firey Formal Dress Exchange was set up on Facebook to provide formal dresses, make-up and photography for graduating high school students who have lost everything in the NSW bushfires, news.com.au reported on Monday.

News_Image_File: Maddi Ventura - a UTS journalism student - dreamed up an innovative innitiative to help bushfire victims.

1:50pm

Who is this cool, calm fire chief?

Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has been a calm, reassuring voice amid the chaos of the bushfire crisis. But who is he, really?

News.com.au reporter Anthony Sharwood has written a profile of Mr Fitzsimmons, and it turns out he is no stranger to the tragic consequences of bushfires.

News_Image_File: RFS commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.

1:43pm

Abbott hits back at UN

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has accused a UN official who linked the New South Wales fires to climate change of "talking through her hat" on radio station 3AW.

Christiana Figueres, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the NSW bushfires were proof that the world "is already paying the price of carbon", and also criticised the government's direct action policy.

Mr Abbott told 3AW "fire is a part of the Australian experience".

1:40pm

Photos

News_Image_File: Helicopters waterbomb the Stockrington fire near Newcastle, which is threatening properties in the area. Pic: Neil Keene

News_Image_File: Near Mount Victoria, looking west towards Harley Vale where spot fires and winds have increased. Pic: Brad Hunter

1:37pm

Another new fire

The RFS is responding to reports of a fire near Greendale.

Gulguer Nature Reserve: Crews are responding to reports of a fire in the Gulguer Nature reserve near Greendale. #nswfires #NSWRFS — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

1:34pm

Too close

A good mate of mine just sent me this. The view from his girlfriends house near Minmi #NSWFires pic.twitter.com/fznefAOplW — Tim Moran (@Timothy_Moran) October 23, 2013

1:28pm

M1 closed in both directions

All northbound and southbound lanes have now been closed. Northbound traffic is being diverted at George Booth Drive and southbound traffic is being directed onto John Renshaw Drive.

MINMI: All n/b and s/b lanes on #PacificMwy (#F3) closed due to #nswfires. N/b diverted at George Booth Drive. S/b into John Renshaw Drive. — Live Traffic Sydney (@LiveTrafficSyd) October 23, 2013

1:20pm

Firefighters struggling

Crews struggling to contain the Mt York fire. Reports fire is crowning but still in containment lines at this stage. #nswfires — Rob Rogers (@robrfs) October 23, 2013

1:18pm

"It came back with burnt little paws"

NSW Liberal state MP for the Blue Mountains Roza Sage has lived in the area for 32 years and says these fires are the worst she's ever seen.

But she says fire is a constant threat to people who live in the mountains.

"It's the Blue Mountains, we've got lots of trees, it's not a case of "if" but "when" fires will happen," she told AAP.

She's given her husband strict instructions on looking after their cats Missy and Beatrix if they have to evacuate from their Warrimoo home.

"If we have to leave the cats have got to be safe," she said. "They're so precious."

Local vets are keeping a register of lost and found pets and are treating injured animals for free, she said.

Ms Sage has been in contact with one young couple who evacuated their home but only managed to take one of their dogs with them because the other ran off terrified.

Their home survived but neighbours on either side weren't as lucky.

"The dog came back to the house the next morning with burnt little paws," Ms Sage said, tears filling her eyes.

A community recovery meeting is scheduled for Friday at the Winmalee High School at 7pm.

1:08pm

M1 partially closed

The M1 Motorway has been closed northbound near Newcastle because of the fire near Minmi.

1:01pm

"Newly born volcano"

This newly-born volcano is just a few hundred metres from homes in Hartley Vale #nswfires pic.twitter.com/TpDG8esoS1 — Taylor Auerbach (@tauerbach) October 23, 2013

12:57pm

Bushfires destroy TV home

A family home featured in Selling Houses Australia and affectionately dubbed "the gingerbread house" has been destroyed by the fires.

News_Image_File: This house in Yellow Rock in the NSW Blue Mountains region featured on the Foxtel show Selling Houses Australia. It has been destroyed in the bushfires.

12:53pm

The view from Mt Victoria

The view from Mt Victoria. Conditions worsening and smoke increasing @dailytelegraph #nswfires pic.twitter.com/gDTsG6ykLk — Nathan Klein (@nathan_klein) October 23, 2013

12:50pm

Minmi fire update

The RFS has issued another emergency warning for the Stockrington Road fire near Minmi, advising residents to leave.

"If you are in the area of Minmi, follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If your plan is to leave, leave now if the path is clear."

12:47pm

Lucky gecko

In this photo from AAP, a firefighter holds a gecko that escaped a bushfire in Bilpin.

News_Image_File: Picture: AAP

12:45pm

Traffic updates

You can check NSW traffic here.

12:38pm

Update on the Linksview Road fire

This from the Rural Fire Service website:

Rain fell over the fire grounds last night and dampened fire activity. However, despite the rainfall, today's forecast hot, dry and windy conditions will see a return to dangerous fire conditions.

Fire is burning in areas near Grose Rd and Chapman Parade. Winmalee residents may see fire activity, including smoke, from backburning between Springwood Ridge and Blue Gum Swap Creek, north of St Columba's High School.

More than 90 firefighters are working to consolidate containment lines, as conditions allow.

12:33pm

Before and after

These two satellite images, placed side by side, show the damage the fires have done.

Before and after satellite images showing the extent of the #nswfires pic.twitter.com/QtE73pKLww — Landgate (@Landgate) October 22, 2013

12:30pm

Two new fires

2 new fires near Tinda Creek up Putty Road. #nswfires — Rob Rogers (@robrfs) October 23, 2013

12:28pm

Children relocated

Stockrington Rd (Minmi): Children have been relocated from Minmi Public School to the Community Centre. #nswfires — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 23, 2013

12:22pm

EMERGENCY WARNING

An emergency warning is now in place for a fire burning in the area of Stockrington Road, west of the M1 Motorway.

The fire is burning towards Minmi, and may threaten the M1 Motorway north of the Newcastle Link Road Interchange.

"If you are in the area of Stockrington Road or Minmi, seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire," the warning advises.

12:06pm

New fires reported

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has just delivered another update, confirming that several new fires have been reported:

- One fire near Stockrington Road, Minmi. There are crews on the scene assessing the situation right now.

- Another fire near Putty Road, between Colo Heights and Putty. An aircrane has been sent in to attempt containment.

"We are likely to see warnings develop in the very near future," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

The commissioner said many residents have heeded the service's warnings and evacuated their homes.

"A number of people have made the decision to go down, have a cup of tea and sit the day out, out of harm's way," he said. "Not being there is clearly your safest option."

11:50am

Photos

News_Image_File: Rural Fire Crews doing back burn and asset prevention, at work on Mt York Road in Mt Victoria. Picture: Mooy Sam

News_Image_File: Rural Fire Service Captain Jim Commens doing back-burn and asset prevention work on Mt York Road in Mt Victoria Picture: Mooy Sam

11:42am

Smoke rises above the mountains

A photo of the Lithgow #bushfire taken from the other side of the Mountains. Stay safe everyone. #NSWFires pic.twitter.com/ynQKhoskIH — Sarah (@MsPhenom) October 23, 2013

11:40am

O'Farrell fires up

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell labelled attempts by businesses to price gouge off the back of the natural disaster as "bastardry".

"We have had an incident overnight where a landlord tried to ratchet up rent in the Blue Mountains," Mr O'Farrell said.

"This is unconscionable behaviour.

"An investigation is taking place… Fair Trading can name and shame those individuals."

11:35am

Fire map

News_Module: NSW bushfires

11:18am

Teens arrested for stealing charity box

Two boys, aged 13 and 15, have been arrested for allegedly stealing a charity collection box from a Springwood cafe on Monday.

The 13-year-old was charged with shoplifting and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear in children's court today.

The 15-year-old boy was charged with possession of a prohibited drug and larceny. He was granted conditional bail to appear in a children's court on Monday, December 9.

The police say they are confident of identifying further offenders.

11:15am

Wind impeding aircraft

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says high winds are impeding firefighters' efforts to contain the fires.

"The temperatures are increasing, the winds are strengthening and we've still got many hours of the day to get through with this bad weather," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

"Some of the water bombing aircraft, the activity is proving not to be particularly effective ... Sometimes with the lighter aircraft the winds are so strong you can actually have a negligible effect."

Wind also impedes the safe execution of back-burning operations, which already suffered a setback due to cooler conditions overnight.

10:58am

Lots and lots of firetrucks

RT @kaatieee27: And this is only a small amount of fire trucks. Pic from Justin Bradbury. Stay safe today. #nswfires pic.twitter.com/YUeDrLboKz — Sam Buckingham-Jones (@SamEBJones) October 22, 2013

10:53am

Water bombing suspended

All water bombing has stopped in the Blue Mountains because the winds have become too strong for helicopters.

10:49am

Firefighters grab a chance to rest

Pic by Phil Hearne. Fire service taking whatever opportunity they can to rest battling fires in NSW. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/9okXx6OpPM — Photographers.com.au (@AuPhotographers) October 22, 2013

10:44am

Photo

News_Image_File: Dozens of Fire Trucks, including those from Queensland and Melbourne, were staged near Flemington Street, Homebush during the night. Pic: Bill Hearne

10:30am

What to wear

This is the sort of clothing you should wear to protect yourself.

A Beresfield home has reportedly been destroyed by fire.

10:23am

All guns blazing

The RFS is clearly throwing every available resource at the fires. A reader sent in this video of a seemingly endless line of firetrucks travelling along the M4 motorway.

"After the video 17 more came past and then 28 SES vehicles."

News_Rich_Media: Watch truck after truck speed along the M4 motorway on their way to battle massive bushfires in the Blue Mountains.

10:14am

Don't be stupid

To the idiot who just threw a lit cigarette out his white Ford sedan in Lithgow, we have your number plate and police will soon #nswfires — Taylor Auerbach (@tauerbach) October 22, 2013

10:07am

Evacuation centres

Springwood Sports Club - 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood

Lithgow Workers Club - 3-7 Tank Street, Lithgow

North Richmond Community Hall - 33 William Street, North Richmond

10:04am

Apocalyptic photo

Another skyline photo from Annalise Wilson on Hat Hill Rd in Blackheath #nswfires pic.twitter.com/hCBa2Xmjky — Alice Workman (@workmanalice) October 22, 2013

9:59am

Pet advice

Police are advising residents who have decided to leave the Blue Mountains area and need assistance with the care and housing of their pets to go to the Information and Assistance Centre at 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

Department of Primary Industry staff will help organise housing and care for their pets.

Remember the following:

- Domestic pets should be collared and on leads

- Bring food and any medications if required

- Bring cages where possible for domestic pets

- All property and animals should be clearly tagged with the owner's name, address and contact details, including a mobile phone number

9:48am

Photos

News_Image_File: (Photo: Simon Peppercorn)

News_Image_File: Kerri McGrath turns her head away from the heat. Picture: Bradley Hunter

9:43am

"Look out for one another"

The RFS has posted a message from commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons to RFS members on Facebook.

"As I have stated quite publicly in recent days, the forecast weather conditions, combined with the large amount of fires already burning, are about as bad as it gets," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

"Thank you to every single person who has played a role and who will continue to play an important role. We must recognise that for so many of our own, it has been really tough going and a very emotional experience.

"Please look out for one another and take care of yourselves. We want everyone - our own people and the people they are seeking to protect - to return home safe to their families and homes at the end of their shift or when the threat eases."

9:31am

Riot squads sighted

Blue Mountains residents seeing riot squads in the area - expect to see this as @nswpolice attempt to thwart looters #nswfires — Triple M Sydney (@TripleMSydney) October 22, 2013

9:28am

Photos

News_Image_File: Photo: Alexandra Murphy

News_Image_File: Photo: Alexandra Murphy

9:16am

Dangerous weather materialising

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is in an unambiguous mood. He says weather conditions in NSW are materialising in line with the alarming forecasts we've seen over the last few days.

"What we are seeing already is wind strengthening to 50-70km/h," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "We're seeing the clouds burn off.

"It is only a matter of hours before we see a flare up of fire activity."

The commissioner asked residents to remain vigilant and alert authorities to any fire activity.

"If you see a fire, call 000," he said. "Do not assume someone else is dialling in that fire ... Minutes really matter."

Lightning strikes have already caused some spot fires across the state.

"The lightninght continues," Mr Fitzsimmons said. "We've already had reported some fire activity in western NSW as a result of lightning activity."

Mr Fitzsimmons told residents to avoid complacency.

"This is not a day off to go out and have a good time," he said. "(Children) are not at school for a reason, so they can be looked after by their loved ones.

"We cannot afford for complacency to set in."

9:11am

One small moment of relaxation

After a long day on the fire ground Monday, we relaxed in a park waiting for the bus #bargofire #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/Zc5zU2YQ79 — James A (@Jandrew1282) October 22, 2013

9:08am

"We will get through this"

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell says now is the time to leave for residents who haven't prepared themselves.

"We hope, of course, that today's conditions, today's potential events, do not occur," Mr O'Farrell said.

"As the commissioner has said, we have planned for the worst but we continue to hope for the best.

"Whatever happens today, we're not out of the woods."

There was a note of optimism in the Premier's remarks.

"We will get through this because of the extraordinary effort being put in by ... our firefighters and the people that are supporting them in local control centres," he said.

9:01am

"Please God ... I'll owe you"

Lindsay's Cafe in Faulconbridge is unnervingly close to the action.

8:55am

"Only one road out"

One Tweet encapsulates the difficulty of evacuation for many residents.

Mum wants to evacuate but Dad says that w/ only one road out it will be near impossible. They've packed suitcases full of photos! #nswfires — Raffe Gold (@raffeg) October 22, 2013

8:23am

Danger ratings

Here are today's fire danger ratings:

Greater Sydney - Extreme

Southern Ranges - High

Central Ranges - Very High

Greater Hunter - Extreme

North Western - Very High

Illawarra/Shoalhaven - Very High

8:00am

Photos

News_Image_File: The Duffy's Forest crew conducting back burning at a property on Mountain Lagoon Road, Bilpin. Picture: Bradley Hunter

News_Image_File: A reader photo of the fires at sunset in Sydney's west. Picture: Nitin Saksena

7:15am

"Pack the car now"

NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher has asked residents not to complicate the situation.

"If you don't have a plan, quite simply let me give you one," Mr Gallacher said.

"Pack the car now, come down the mountain."

7:05am

Morning briefing

Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the crisis is far from over.

"We can't afford to think today will be OK," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

"We need to be very vigilant ... There is very real potential for new fires to start, take hold and spread quickly."

Mr Fitzsimmons said the smattering of rain overnight will make no discernible difference to fire behaviour today.

"Overnight we've received drizzle, showers and a bit of rainfall," he said. "Right across the fire grounds it would appear at this stage lucky to be getting up to 5mm of rain."

Volatile and unstable weather during the night, including extensive lightning, forced the RFS to withdraw firetrucks for safety concerns. This morning, wind gusts are already reaching 70km/h.

"There's a long way to go today and indeed there will be a lot of activity beyond today in terms of trying to bring these fires under control," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

6:58am

Photos

News_Image_File: The Duffy's Forest crew conducting back burning at a property on Mountain Lagoon Road, Bilpin. Picture: Bradley Hunter

6:50am

Firefighters set up base camp

A base camp for more than 350 firefighters, including 200 officers from Fire and Rescue NSW stations, has been set up at Sydney's Olympic Park.

As part of the makeshift operational base set up at the sporting ground, NSW firefighters will bunk down in the change rooms at Skoda Stadium.

A contingent of mechanics, engineers and logistic support staff are also at the base camp, which also accommodates 120 fire trucks.

Among the officers on hand are FRNSW's newest recruits, who have only been in the job for five weeks and are helping with NSW's worst bushfires in decades.

The base camp was set up by urban search and rescue specialists using the same resources deployed during the Japan Tsunami and Christchurch earthquake in 2011.

FRNSW said in a statement FireAir1 would also be deployed to Skoda Stadium on Wednesday to prepare for worsening fire conditions.

"The Sydney Olympic Park base of operations is part of one of the largest mobilisations of fire engines and fire officers in the history of the organisation," FRNSW said in the statement.

A similar Rural Fire Service base camp is also in place at the Penrith Panthers Club and will accommodate 800 personnel.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

- If your life is at risk, call 000.

- Official updates are available on the RFS website, or you can call 1800 679 737

HOW YOU CAN HELP

- The Salvation Army is running a bushfires appeal. Phone 137 258 or visit the Salvos' website.

- Donate to the Red Cross by phoning 1800 811 700 or visiting the Red Cross website.

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