Defence involved in bushfire crisis

The Department of Defence is closely monitoring the bushfire crisis in NSW and could become more involved if the situation worsens.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan says defence already is contributing to the emergency response as blazes continue to threaten towns in and around the Blue Mountains.

A staff member from defence is embedded at the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) headquarters, while accommodation and airfields operated by the department have been made available to fire crews.

Mr Keenan hasn't ruled out defence becoming more involved in the disaster.

"If further assistance is required, then we will do whatever we can to assist," he told reporters in Sydney on Monday, adding the commonwealth is doing everything it can to assist NSW authorities.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is being regularly briefed on the situation and is "very keen" to ensure the federal government is doing all it can to help.