UPDATE: An RFS spokesman said the fire had been mostly contained but the concern was that strong winds overnight could pick up embers and cause spotfires.
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Firefighters battling to control a blaze at Budderoo National Park are nervous about strong winds this afternoon, with gusts forecast to reach more than 90km/h.
The fire began as a hazard reduction burn yesterday and now covers an area of about 300-350 hectares, NSW Rural Fire Service Illawarra zone Superintendent Richard Cotterill said.
The fire has now been upgraded to "Watch and Act'', but no homes are believed to be at risk.
Four helicopters, 15 tankers and 90 crew from the RFS and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are currently fighting the blaze west of Jamberoo.
Jamberoo Mountain Rd has been closed as a safety precaution for traffic, with burnt trees on the road.
Supt Cotterill said the bushfire was actually in two sections.
One section that began as an NPWS hazard reduction burn yesterday had been contained, but a spot fire that broke out during the burn was yet to be contained.
‘‘We’ve got no property under direct threat at this point in time and we will continue to work through the day to try and maintain the control lines that we have established,’’ he said.
‘‘Obviously our major concern is the predicted high strength northwesterly winds later today and maybe continuing into tomorrow.’’
Supt Cotterill said it was ‘‘not uncommon’’ for spot fires to break out.
There were sufficient resources available and on call to manage the blaze, he said.A total fire ban is in place across the Illawarra and South Coast.
