Extract from ABC News
Updated
Video: The Gospers Mountain blaze has crossed Bowen Creek and is moving towards Mt Wilson
(ABC News)
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued an
emergency level warning once again for the "mega blaze" raging through
the Hawkesbury area north-west of Sydney.
Several properties are believed to have been lost around Mt Tomah and Mt Wilson. There are no reports of injuries at this stage.
Captain Peter Duff from the RFS Terrey Hills Brigade captured footage of a terrifying wall of flames blazing at Mt Tomah.
In the video, posted to Facebook, a firefighter says they are tackling "spot fires galore" and flames 60 to 70 metres high.
Increased winds have fanned the flames, with residents in Mt Wilson, Mt Irvine, Mt Tomah and Berambing warned it is "too late to leave".
RFS spokesman James Morris said fire activity was expanding across those areas.
"We are advising people to seek shelter as that fire approaches, as it is too late to leave," he said.
"We want you to protect yourself from the heat of the fire."
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Elsewhere, residents in Bilpin have been warned to look out for embers, which are travelling five to six kilometres ahead of the flames due to windy conditions.
Several roads around the region have been closed including Bells Line of Road, and people are being told to check for updates.
The "mega blaze" at Gospers Mountain has been raging for several weeks and has burnt more than 369,000 hectares.
Mr Morris said there were hundreds of firefighters on the ground, as well as airtankers launching fire retardant to help prevent the fire's spread.
He said this stage of the late afternoon was typically "witching hour" for increased activity.
"We are expecting it to remain dry and a little bit windy for some time yet, so there's still a long few hours ahead for local residents and firefighters at this stage," he said.
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