Christmas emergency as out-of-control fire threatens homes amid day of weather extremes
A huge fire continues to threaten western Sydney homes after a day of weather extremes across the city.
Dangerous flames broke out at Mulgoa, near Penrith, at the most intense part of the day's heat shortly after 2pm on Sunday.
Residents were forced to leave their homes as the flames spread quickly near neighbouring properties, fuelled by scorching 40C temperatures.
Dedicated firefighters worked quickly to battle the fast moving blaze while from the skies the DC-10 aircraft filled with fire retardant flew overhead as well as water bombers collecting water from local dams.
Locals were on hand to help out, with dozens pitching in a bid to save people's homes.
"I've just come up to help out and make sure everything is safe," one resident said.
Strong northerly winds blew embers forward sparking unpredictable spot fires in the vicinity, while the strong winds showed no sign of letting up heading into Christmas Day leaving local residents on high-alert.
The resulting smoke was visible for kilometres across Sydney's skies, which also had a dramatic change in the east.
Closer to the coast the weather was menacing from above with clear skies turning grey over Sydney Harbour.
Holiday beachgoers at Bondi and other popular hotspots scrambled to escape the downpour after scorching temperatures earlier in the day.
With the temperamental weathers set to continue throughout the night, the danger is far from over leaving firefighters working effortlessly into Christmas morning.
