'Too late to leave': Fears at least 15 homes lost as Queanbeyan fire burns out-of-control
There are fears at least 15 homes have been lost in an out-of-control grass fire burning near Queanbeyan.
The RFS has confirmed at least one home has been lost and a firefighter was taken to hospital with burns while trying to fight the massive 2,700-hectare blaze at Carwoola.
An RFS spokesperson said early reports indicate 15 homes have been lost, but that figure will need to be officially confirmed once conditions ease.
A firefighter has been taken to hospital with burns. Picture: 7 News
"A number of properties have been destroyed by the fire. The exact number will not be known until conditions ease," the spokesperson said.
Residents at Carwoola have been told it is now too late to leave the area, with hot and windy conditions fuelling the fire.
Picture: Ainslie MacGibbon/Twitter
"Residents should seek shelter now to protect them from the heat of the fire," the RFS said.
Properties are under threat along Widgiewa Road, Whiskers Creek Road, Yilgarn Road and Captains Flat Road.
The fire service warned people in the area of Hoskinstown, Rossi, Forbes Creek and Primrose Valley should seek shelter because it is too late to leave.
Residents have been warned it's too dangerous to leave. Picture: 7 News
The fire has been described as "fast moving" and "dangerous".
Two evacuation centres have been set up at Bungendore Public School hall and the Q Theatre in Queanbeyan.
Central West fire downgraded
A grassfire in NSW's central west has been downgraded to an "advice" alert with crews managing to slow its spread.
An emergency warning was issued earlier on Friday for the fire west of Mandurama and moving east towards Lyndhurst and Belubula.
But "with conditions easing firefighters are now slowing the spread of the fire", the RFS said about 5pm.
"If you are in the area of Lyndhurst and Mandurama continue to monitor conditions and follow direction from firefighters in the area," the alert said.
"Be prepared to enact your bushfire survival plan."
