A large bushfire is burning out of control in the NSW Southern Highlands, but several other blazes in the area have been brought under control.
The 8100 hectare fire was on Friday evening listed at the "watch and act" alert level and is ripping through bush near Balmoral, Yanderra, Bargo, Pheasants Nest and Wilton.
Houses have been destroyed and damaged in the area, but it's unclear how many have been lost.
Five other smaller fires - at Camden, Mittagong, Yerrinbool and two at Leppington - are under control and have been giving the lowest alert level, "advice," according to the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Firefighters will work through Friday night to set up and strengthen containment lines ahead of hot, windy conditions expected on Sunday.
Earlier on Friday there were reports of ash and smoke drifting into Mittagong, but the small scrub fire there has been brought under control by the RFS.
Residents in Balmoral and Bargo are able to return home, as are people in Yanderra - despite the local public school remaining closed.
A community meeting will be held at the Wilton Community Hall on Friday night.
Significant delays of up to an hour should be expected on the southbound lanes of the Hume Highway at Yerrinbool, the Transport Management Centre says.
Traffic is queued for about 10 kilometres with only one southbound lane open due to the bushfires.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area or allow plenty of extra time for their journey.
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