'Get out if you can': Vicious blaze threatens ACT, NSW as heatwave continues

There's an extreme fire emergency in southern New South Wales as a fast moving blaze continues to tear through fields and bushland just north of Canberra.

The RFS is advising residents around Tarago to get out if they can, otherwise to find shelter from the fast-moving blaze, while strike teams of firefighters are now being choppered in to pluck people to safety.

“We are very concerned about people ahead of that fire because it is burning so aggressively that people will be caught,” RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers told 7 News on Tuesday afternoon.

Several sheds and cars have been destroyed by the blaze that has so far burnt out more than 2,000 hectares.

Helicopters are now being used to pluck people out of the area. Source: 7 News

The blaze has torn through bushland just north of Canberra. Source: 7 News

Meanwhile a hot air mass lurking over central Australia delivered a sweltering heatwave to parts of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland on Tuesday.

In Sydney, thousands flocked to the beaches early to escape the heat, while Wet ‘N Wild also proved to be a popular place to cool off.

The fountain at Olympic Park proved a godsend as temperatures in Western Sydney shot past 40C.

Sydney's west reached 41C on Tuesday afternoon, while the world's best tennis players will be subjected to 35C on court at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The hot start to 2017 continues as east coast residents flock to the beach in search for relief from the heat. Source: AAP

Bondi Beach remain packed well after sunset overnight as Sydney prepares for consecutive days above 30C. Source: Twitter

More than 200 people braved the searing heat to inspect a Sydney property. Source: Twitter

With very few cool spells so far this year the monthly minimum record for January was likely to be smashed.

Residents in Brisbane were warned to brace themselves for searing temperatures of around 34C or 35C right through the coming week.

The hot air mass hasn't spared Adelaide either, which sweltered through 39C late on Tuesday before a cool change comes Wednesday.

"That hot air mass will just lurk there and gradually slide eastwards and that's why northeast South Australia, northern NSW and southern Queensland will be experiencing heatwave conditions again later this week," Bureau of Meteorology spokesman James Taylor told AAP.

Sydney beaches have become sanctuaries for just about everyone. Source: AAP

Eastern state residents are being told to prepare for consecutive days of 30C plus. Source: AAP

The warning to all east coast residents follows the tragic death of a Brisbane pilot and father-to-be who was struck down by heatstroke on Sunday.

Matthew Hall was dirt bike riding on the Sunshine Coast when he collapsed suffering heatstroke, leaving his heavily pregnant high school sweetheart devastated.

“I can’t fathom life without him but my strength is knowing he will live through his son," Mrs Hall said in a touching tribute.

“I will love him enough for the two of us and I will make sure I do Matt proud and be the best mum to him."

Matthew Hall's wife Emily has been left heartbroken after he tragically lost his life to heatwave. Photo: 7 News/Supplied.

Bureau of Meteorology spokesman James Taylor told AAP the air mass will continue eastwards resulting in northeast South Australia, northern NSW and southern Queensland experiencing heatwave conditions again later this week.

Mr Taylor said a weak cold front would ease conditions for Adelaide and Melbourne, but will struggle to reach far inland.

Thousands of brave South Australians flocked to the streets to get a glimpse of the Town Down Under's opening day, however organisers were wary, shortening the first stage for the safety of the riders.