Homes lost to bushfires in southern NSW

Houses have been lost to a bushfire burning in hot, dry conditions in southern NSW,
the Rural Fire Service (RFS) says.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told the Seven Network weather conditions had
deteriorated on Thursday, making it a difficult afternoon for the state's
firefighters.
More than 80 fires are burning across NSW, with unconfirmed reports a house had been
destroyed by fire in Londonderry, in Sydney's northwest.
Near Albury, in the state's south, more buildings had been lost, Mr Fitzsimmons said.
"Things are very difficult this afternoon. We've seen weather conditions exceed what
was originally forecast," he said.
"That elevation in temperature and particularly wind has really been problematic for
firefighters.
"We have had indications of a house lost at Londonderry - we are still waiting to
confirm that.
"Further south in the state we have a very serious fire burning north of Albury
affecting places around Gerogery and we've got reports of houses burning in that
area as well.
"So very difficult conditions in a number of areas and we've got fires - additional
ones - turning up in western Sydney as we speak with firefighters responding to
those as well."
Rural Fire Service (RFS) spokeswoman Rebel Talbert said they had received
unconfirmed reports of a house burning in Nutt Road at Londonderry.
"We do have unconfirmed reports that one home is fully involved in fire on Nutt Rd,"
Ms Talbert said.
The Londonderry fire broke out earlier on Thursday, but the situation worsened
dramatically about 2.30pm (AEDT).
About 200 firefighters and five aircraft, including an air crane, were now at the
scene battling against the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions and strong
winds.
"Homes are coming under threat as we speak, so firefighters are working very closely
with residents in that area," Ms Talbert said.
"We are just advising people that it is moving very quickly and they need to
activate their bushfire survival plan now and work with firefighters on the ground."
Residents of Nutt, Devlin, Smeeton and Taylor roads in Londonderry have been urged
to take precautions as the fire sweeps east towards Londonderry Rd.
Londonderry Road is closed at the intersection of Cranebrook Rd and the Northern Rd,
while Cranebrook Rd is closed to Tadmore Rd.
The RFS has urged people to avoid the area, if possible, and has issued an emergency
warning.
Total fire bans remain in place across much of the state until midnight.