An out-of-control bushfire on NSW's South Coast has sparked an emergency warning by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The fire, burning at Yankees Gap in Bemboka, appears to be headed towards Bega due to strong northwesterly winds, a NSW RSF spokesman said on Saturday afternoon.
Anyone in in the area of Coopers Gully and Numbugga should take cover in a solid structure immediately as it is too late to leave, according to the emergency warning issued about 3.30pm.
The intensity of the fire, which has been burning for several weeks, ramped up on Saturday due to strong winds which have blown embers ahead of the fire.
"Those embers could travel further than the fire, and embers can start fires," NSW RFS spokesman Greg Allan told AAP.
Anyone near Bega should put their bush fire survival plan into action and monitor the latest information on the RFS website, Mr Allan said.
The warning comes after a total fire ban was called for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, Southern Ranges, Far South Coast, Northern Slopes and North Western regions.
Much of NSW is subject to very high to severe fire danger ratings with maximum temperatures surpassing 30C.
The bans restrict the lighting, maintenance or use of open fires, solid fuel BBQs powered by coal, wood or heat beads, and outdoor activities such as welding. All fire permits are also suspended until declared bans are lifted.
Warm, dry and windy conditions are forecast over the northern and eastern parts of NSW ahead of a strong cold front, expected to cross much of the eastern half of the state during Saturday afternoon and evening, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The front is expected to generate "vigorous winds" affecting Thredbo, Wollongong and Goulburn, among others.
