Emergency: bushfire threatens homes at Smeeton Rd, Cranebrook

The roller coaster ride for frantic fire crews goes on as an out of control bushfire threatening homes at Cranebrook just hours ago is downgraded once more to watch and act level.

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Firefighters are battling multiple out of control bushfires at Smeeton Rd in Cranebrook and Londonderry — as NSW Rural Fire Service downgrades the fire from an emergency warning to watch and act.

Residents in Tadmore Rd, Cranebrook have been evacuated, as reports the bushfire has overrun a home in the street.

The Penrith Press understands firefighters were battling to save the home around 4pm as police ordered residents out of the street.

Smoke billows from the out of control bushfires at Cranebrook. Picture: Joel Erickson

Several volunteer crews rushed to reports of the blazes around 3pm this afternoon as the fire, moving in an easterly direction, began to threaten several at-risk homes in the area.

A NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman told the Penrith Press firefighters and aircraft are working to slow the fire and protect homes.

“If you are in the area of Smeeton Rd, Londonderry and Cranebrook you are at risk,” the spokesman said.

“Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.”

Several other out of control fires are also burning at 35 Kenmare Rd and Wingara Glen, Londonderry, while Fire and Recue NSW have contained a bushfire at Hawkesbury Rd, Hawkesbury Heights.

Press reporter, Joel Erickson, said the fire is moving closer to residential properties as wind increases.

“Police have cordoned off Smeeton Rd at Cranebrook Rd, as well as Firetrail and Hinxman roads,” Press reporter said. “Firefighters at the Cranebrook blaze are supported by helicopter aerial surveillance.”

While there is no confirmation on how the fire started, a RFS spokesman said every fire that doesn’t have a natural cause is treated as suspicious and will be investigated.

Llandilo resident, Kristy Lee, said she was on her way to pick up her children from The Lakes Christian College in Castlereagh when she saw the fire from Church Lane.

“I saw the smoke from home and didn’t realise how close it was to homes in Cranebrook,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe how close it was, police were blocking off the road — it was very chaotic.”

There have been no reports of structure loss.