“Things are looking a little better; crews are being assisted by an air tanker,” he said.

A previous warning before the fire was downgraded said: “If you are in the Worrowing Heights area, south of The Wool Road, east of Larmer Avenue you are in danger. It is now too late to leave. Seek shelter now inside a solid structure such as a house.”

The RFS earlier had said those in the area of Sanctuary Point, Old Erowal Bay and Erowal Bay should prepare now.

The RFS had issued a total fire ban on Sunday across the NSW Lower Central West Plains and the Central Ranges.

A total fire ban has been declared for the Greater Hunter and North Western regions on Monday, due to forecast hot and windy conditions.