Residents in a western Sydney suburb are being urged to shelter from an out of control bushfire threatening lives and homes.
An emergency warning has been issued for the The Northern Road in Londonderry and several nearby streets for a fire burning in the Castlereagh Nature Reserve, north of Penrith.
A NSW Rural Fire Services spokesman said it was "too late to leave" and residents should seek shelter.
Dozens of fire crews are at the scene, including water bomb "Thor".
The flames are being fanned by an average wind speed of 30km/h but gusts of up to 50km/h have been detected in the area.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Sarah Chadwick said strong winds were expected to continue throughout the afternoon .
The wind is also blowing thick smoke over surrounding suburbs and can be seen from the Blue Mountains.
Good Samaritans are answering calls for help on social media from those with animals who need to be evacuated however road closures in the area are preventing people from getting too close to the blaze.
The fire, which started about 11.30am on Sunday, is the second large blaze to hit the area this month.
On November 4 a fire allegedly started by a 16-year-old boy in the neighbouring suburb of Llandilo destroyed one home, damaged several properties and burnt 300ha.
A very high fire danger rating is in place for the Greater Sydney region because of warm and windy weather.
