Wollondilly residents remain on high alert as firefighters continue to battle an out of control bushfire in the Burragorang Valley.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Green Wattle Creek blaze has already burned more than 100,000 hectares of land since November 26.
Locals in Oakdale, Warragamba, Silverdale, Werombi, The Oaks, Lakesland, Thirlmere, Buxton, Balmoral, Bargo, Hill Top and surrounding townships are being urged to monitor conditions carefully as warmer weather settles in.
Rural Fire Service community liaison officer Helen Fenning said extensive back burning was conducted over the past couple of days to strengthen containment lines.
"We have taken advantage of favourable conditions to undertake back burning operations in prepation for the intense fire conditions predicted for the next few days," she said on Tuesday.
"The fire is still uncontained.
"Our strategies are working at the moment but the weather may place a strain on that and conditions can change very quickly so local residents need to be aware of that."
Locals were first warned to make preparations to leave and put their bushfire plan into action last week as the fire had jumped Lake Burragorang.
The NSW RFS upgraded the huge bushfire from Advice to Watch and Act on Monday night (December 9).
Ms Fenning said residents should remain on alert.
"We strongly advise residents to ensure they have done everything that is required of them and to prepare for any potential bushfire threat," she said.
"Leaving early is always the best option so we encourage residents to monitor the situation and take all necessary precautions."
More than 250 firefighters have been on the ground and in the air fighting the blaze and working to establish containment lines.
Wollondilly mayor Matt Deeth told the Advertiser last week that residents should remain vigilant.
"There is still a risk to the community so I would encourage everyone to keep an eye on the Fires Near Me app and the RFS social media pages," he said.
"We want everyone to have their bushfire plans ready and have the plan in place.
"We have a strong, resilient community who band together in times of need and it is heartening to see them all rallying around each other.
"And our firefighters - they are the frontline for us and we are so proud and thankful for them."
A Werombi family has lost their home due to the fire.
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for the Nobel family by members of the Campbelltown Collegians Hockey Club.
More than $18,000 has been raised for the family so far.
Locals have also reached out to residents in the fire zones via social media pages to offer transport for livestock, use of their paddocks or a place to stay the night.
The Oaks Hotel and the George IV Inn have offered free shelter to residents who have been evacuated.
The council has also set up its mayoral relief fund for locals to donate money in support of residents affected by the fire season.