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SYDNEY - Firefighters battling a huge bushfire burning out of control in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney said it posed a serious threat to property if winds intensified.
The blaze has burned more than 8000ha of bushland across a broad front about 4km north of the township of Blackheath.
Yesterday, it had not pushed through the Grose Valley because predicted strong winds had not eventuated - gusts of up to 70 km/h were expected, but they were blowing at only half that strength.
Forecasters were still warning of gusts up to 45 km/h and temperatures over 30C.
A New South Wales Fire Brigades strike team was sent to Mt Tomah in case the fire broke out towards property in the lower Grose Valley.
They are among more than 400 firefighters fighting the blaze.
A reconnaissance plane was plotting the fire's course, and 15 aircraft were ready to start waterbombing.
Fire crews were trying to consolidate a 35km containment line.
- AAP
