Fire crews have contained a grass fire that has burned through more than 20 hectares of land in Penrith this afternoon.
The fire at Hickeys Lane near Andrews Road started around Midday today.
The wider Penrith area is blanketed in smoke as a result of the blaze, which started around Midday.
More than a dozen fire trucks from Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service are working on the fire. Water bombing aircraft was also called in.
With the blaze now contained, crews are working to put out the last of the fire and will begin mopping up.
No injuries have been reported and crews worked to ensure no properties were placed under serious threat.
Some residents have reported ash coming into their residences across Penrith.
It’s understood some businesses, including a doctor’s surgery on Andrews Road, have closed and evacuated out of precaution.
The fire comes as a warning ahead of warm weather this afternoon and tomorrow.
The top temperature in Penrith tomorrow is forecast to be 35 degrees. It’ll be 32 on Wednesday before a sharp drop on Thursday, with a top of just 19 degrees.
#BREAKING Fire crews are continuing to battle an out-of-control grass fire near Hickeys Lane in Penrith. pic.twitter.com/RMqPO0Fm0K
— Western Weekender (@wwpenrith) October 23, 2023
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
