Winds causing problems in NSW bushfires

Thursday Nov 16 07:09 AEDT

Strong winds are again expected to pose some problems to firefighters
working to contain two fires burning in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

More than 150 firefighters worked through the night trying to contain one of
the fires, burning about two kilometres north of Mount Victoria which has
burnt out more than 700ha.

The blaze is burning on both sides of the Darling Causeway and crews will
spend Thursday continuing containment lines begun overnight and mopping up
burnt out areas.

The second fire is burning about five kilometres north of Blackheath and has
burnt out 100ha of parkland in inaccessible terrain.

Cool conditions are forecast, however southerly wind gusts up to 50km an
hour are expected between 6am and 3pm, making conditions difficult.

Fresh crews will replace those who worked through the night and will be
assisted by 10 aircraft, including a skycrane helicopter.

Neither fire is currently posing a threat to property but nearby residents
are being advised they may be affected by smoke and ash.

The Darling Causeway remains closed between Mt Victoria and Bell, with
motorists advised to use either the Great Western Highway or Bells Line of
Road as alternate routes.

©AAP 2006