NSW bushfires latest
High winds have caused chaos
The major Blue Mountains fire threat appears to have been averted after a desperate day battling blazes.
Brutal weather conditions and strong winds played havoc with blazes that have devastated communities over the last seven days - and there is no respite in sight.
The fire at Gateshead near Lake Macquarie is now the only blaze that remains at Emergency Warning level.
In total there are currently 73 fires burning and 29 out of control.
EMERGENCY WARNINGS
- Gateshead fire (Lake Macquarie)
6:50pm: The Springwood fire in the Blue Mountains has been downgraded from Emergency Warning to Watch and Act.
The following schools will be closed tomorrow:
Winmalee Public School, Winmalee High School, Ellison Public School, Springwood High School, Mount Victoria Public School, Faulconbridge Public School, Comleroy Road Public School, Kurrajong North Public School, Bilpin Public School, Grose View Public School.
6:40pm: The major fire threat has been averted and it is safe for Blue Mountains residents to return to their homes, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
Mr Fitzsimmons said the high risk strategies of firefighters have paid off in extreme conditions on Wednesday.
He said residents who left the mountains earlier in the day can return in the early evening.
"It would be safe to head back home tonight because the risk has been averted," he said.
Hundreds of Blue Mountains residents had fled their fire-threatened homes for evacuation centres outside the mountains.
Mr Fitzsimmons paid tribute to the emergency services and the community for heeding the advice of the RFS as fires flared up in the mountains and new blazes erupted in the Hunter region near Newcastle.
But he warned there was still a lot of difficult and dangerous firefighting being carried out.
Premier Barry O'Farrell lauded the "magnificent planning and preparation" which helped avert the worst on a day Mr Fitzsimmons had said would be "as bad as it gets".
6:20pm: Breaking news from Rob Ovadia - the Department of Defence admits it is responsible for inadvertently starting the State Mine fire.
5:40pm: The M1 near Minmi has reopened southbound, it remains closed northbound as the Stockrington fire near Minmi is downgraded to Watch and Act.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says: "The threat to the Blue Mountains has been averted today."
5:20pm: There has been a big increase in asthma and breathing problems due to air pollution across the Sydney Metropolitan region.
Professor Wayne Smith, Director Environmental Health Branch, NSW Health, said: “Smoke particles can cause a variety of health problems, such as itchy or burning eyes, throat irritation or runny nose and aggravate existing illnesses including bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.
“NSW Health is also reminding people that children, older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
“The best way to avoid breathing in the smoke is to remain inside with the windows and doors closed, preferably in an air-conditioned building.”
4:50pm: The NSW police force has issued a statement warning Blue Mountains residents not to return home too early.
"NSWP Force are urging residents to remain alert as there are still dangerous conditions this afternoon (Wednesday 23 October 2013) from the bushfires.
"Residents should consider delaying their travel or make alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends.
"If you do not have any other alternative than to return home you are advised to attend the Information and Assistance Centre at either the Penrith Panthers or Lithgow Workers Club."
Around 1300 homes in parts of Dudley and Whitebridge are also without power because of the fires and a decision is also due to be made in the next couple of hours if school closures will be required tomorrow.
4:25pm: More news on the Gateshead fire - the fire has crossed Redhead Road and is moving easterly between Dudley and Redhead.
Mr Fitzsimmons has also held a briefing. His message is: 'We know you want to go home and we will let you when it is safe to do so'.