Firefighters have gained the upper hand over a bushfire burning just out of reach in the NSW Blue Mountains, but have urged locals to remain vigilant.
A watch-and-act alert issued by NSW Rural Fire Service for the Wentworth Falls area on Saturday morning was downgraded to advice level as evening darkness fell.
Some 130 firefighters, aided by waterbombing helicopters, spent the day battling a 30-hectare blaze and by 6pm, the fire was contained to an inaccessible area between the clifftop and Little Switzerland Drive.
It could be a long night for crews who will remain stationed around the fire zone to douse any flare-ups and protect 40 nearby homes.
Just a fortnight ago, backyards in the bush community west of Sydney were blanketed with thick white snow and ice.
But by Friday night wind gusts fanned massive flames and embers in the lush terrain.
"Whilst the fire's spread towards Coronation Road has slowed, residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant, keep up-to-date and take advice from firefighters on the ground," the RFS said in a statement on Saturday evening.
"Firefighters will maintain a presence overnight and will return tomorrow to continue working to contain the fire."
The winter blaze came as a man was caught at the scene of a fire down the mountains, in bushland near Glenbrook.
The 34-year-old was taken to Springwood Police Station and charged with three offences including intentionally causing fire and being reckless as to its spread.
The man was granted bail but ordered to front Penrith Local Court on August 24.
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