Firefighters battle to contain major fire in Sydney’s west

Dozens of firefighters are battling to contain a major grassfire in Sydney’s west, nearby a well-used rugby field.

Firefighters are battling to contain a large grass fire which erupted in western Sydney on Monday.

The fast-moving blaze began burning just before 1.50pm near Nepean Rugby Park at Hickeys Lane in Penrith, in the city’s west.

Plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the air as large flames burn through nearby grass.

The fire has been creeping towards industrial warehouses nearby as more than 10 fire trucks worked to extinguish the blaze.

Firefighters are working to contain the running grass fire. Picture: NSW RFS

Smoke is covering much of the Penrith area. Picture: Facebook

Waterbombing aircraft are on the way with both the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW crews trying to keep it contained.

NSWRFS said the fire was at advice level with no threat to homes.

“Firefighters from FRNSW and RFS are on scene of a fire burning in the vicinity of Hickeys Lane. The fire is burning in a NW direction between Hickeys Ln & Castlereagh Rd,” the Rural Fire Service said in a tweet.

@Channel9@Channel7

Big fire in Penrith
Close to homes
Ash falling from sky landing on properties pic.twitter.com/gqorPJf84D

— aussie (@Aussieoi1981) October 23, 2023

The NSW RFS is warning anyone nearby to monitor the conditions of the fire. Picture: NSW RFS

The fire has already burned through about 24 hectares. Picture: Facebook

“Those in the vicinity should monitor conditions.”

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and keep out of the way of responding emergency vehicles.

By 2pm, the fire had burned through 24 hectares of bushland, with a moving size around six hectares.

Ash could be seen falling from the sky and landing on nearby homes and businesses.

Firefighters are on high alert with the mercury hitting a top of 31C, with the hot and dry conditions set to continue.

The mercury is forecast to hit 35C on Tuesday before dropping to 32C on Wednesday, with the heat causing worry that more fires could break out.