SYDNEY - Firefighters have reinforced containment lines in bushfire hotspots across NSW as they brace for a return of soaring temperatures and extreme conditions early this week.
While temperatures remained relatively mild in most regions, the NSW Rural Fire Service are battling against the clock to restrict several
fires before the impending heat wave, set to begin on Tuesday.
The most prominent fire remains in the Blue Mountains, while two fires in the Hunter and Hawkesbury valleys are being closely watched by the RFS.
A total of 400 firefighters are battling the three fires with support from 22 aircraft, although poor visibility prevented aerial drops for much of the day.
RFS spokeswoman Rebel Talbert said the calmer conditions helped firefighters make steady progress over what had otherwise been a quiet weekend.
"We've spent most of the day working on consolidating the containment lines that we've got, and we're aiming to get around 200 metres of containment around the Blue Mountains fire," Ms Talbert said.
"Every log, every tree, everything that's on fire we'll try to put out, and that should minimise the chance of any spot-overs if we do get any wind gusts.
"It's very hard labour-intensive work, but we've got the opportunity to do it now, so we have to take it."
Some 33 fires were burning last night across the state, 10 of which are considered uncontained.
According to the RFS, containment of a fire near the historic Wollemi wilderness area has reached 60 per cent over the weekend.
While only the lower central west plains region were subjected to a total fire ban by RFS commissioner Phil Koperberg yesterday, statewide bans could follow if temperatures rise as predicted.
Temperatures in Penrith, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, are predicted to peak at 29 degrees tomorrow before averaging 35.6 degrees until Saturday - including a sweltering 39 degrees on Wednesday.
The only consolation for firefighters is that winds are predicted to stay around 35kph, meaning backburning will be possible in several areas.
Ms Talbert said while a lack of breeze would assist in controlled backburning, unrelenting heat could see more fires develop.
"The temperatures are obviously a definite concern and it means there is more chance of erratic fire behaviour," Ms Talbert said.
"But without the wind, we're confident we're going to get some good containment and we'll keep working on those lines."
- AAP
