'Atrocious' conditions for out-of-control grass fire near Holsworthy
A "fast-moving" grass fire is burning out-of-control in Sydney's west close to homes and blanketing parts of the city with dark smoke, with some residents being warned it is too late to leave.
Fire and Rescue NSW issued an emergency warning for the fire, which was burning close to Moorebank Avenue and Somercotes Court at Wattle Grove.
Residents in the Wattle Grove community and the Holsworthy military complex are advised to shelter in place.
The fire began around 2.30pm on Casula Road, close to the Casula train station.
Ten Fire and Rescue NSW trucks were on scene assisted by aircraft, and NSW Rural fire service.
NSW RFS has warned residents in Voyager Point, Pleasure Point, Sandy Point and Picnic Point to remain "vigilant", as the fire may threaten homes in the area.
The fire is currently travelling in a south-easterly direction, but embers and smoke may impact other homes in the area, NSW RFS warned.
The fire has reportedly reached the Holsworthy army barracks, with fire crews protecting a large fuel storage area inside the base with a 200m exclusion zone.
Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Norman Buckley said fire crews were monitoring the fire but were not sure yet whether any properties were immediately threatened.
Superintendent Buckley said the crews' focus will be preventing the fire from threatening homes.
He said strong winds and high temperatures are making for "atrocious" conditions, with Holsworthy reaching 31.2 degrees around 1.20pm.
"[Conditions] couldn't be anything worse, high winds, high heat. There's nothing comfortable about it at all," the superintendent said.
Footage from the air shows fire crews battling flames in a grassy area across the road from a row of houses.
Residents have been advised to follow their bushfire survival plan, and follow instructions from firefighters at the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Trains have stopped running between Holsworthy and Glenfield due to the fire.
No trains are running between East Hills and Glenfield on the T8 Airport and South line. Replacement bus services in both directions are now being organised.
Passengers are being urged to get up to date via transportnsw.info and are advised to delay their journeys or allow plenty of extra travel time.
More to come