Properties lost in Bell in Saturday bushfires

"We have lost properties in the Blue Mountains town of Bell. I have no details of which ones nor a precise number but this will emerge as the day unfolds," Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill posted on his Facebook page on Sunday morning (December 22.).

"There are unconfirmed reports of properties damaged but not destroyed in Blackheath overnight. Council's recovery team is engaging to support our fellow citizens. The reports from neighbouring Lithgow towns are very upsetting and have caused great sadness in the room at this morning's briefing."

The mayor expressed his "deepest thanks to all our wonderful, tired and brave emergency services".

Firefighters will work on establishing containment lines today (Sunday) as well as direct firefighting, Blackheath-Mt Victoria Rural Fire Brigade posted on Facebook on Sunday morning.

"Yesterday saw a big day in both Blackheath and Mt Victoria with a major firefighting effort," the brigade posted. "Many close calls for our crews, who were all able to go home safely thanks to their training and preparation. Thanks to everyone that came to help us out.

"Overnight saw increased fire activity along Hat Hill Rd with multiple properties directly impacted by fire.

"Properties in Rodriguez and Connaught have been door knocked to prepare for impending fire impact today.

"Today will see more direct firefighting and containment lines established. Please continue to monitor the fire situation and continue to enact your bushfire plan."

The Grose Valley fire was at emergency alert level on Sunday morning (11am).

"The fire is burning through a number of valley systems towards homes in Hat Hills Road and areas of eastern Blackheath," the RFS stated. "The [fire] continues to burn in the Blackheath area, north-east of Mount Victoria, and in the Hartley Vale area."

The threat to Mt Victoria had reduced on Sunday morning.

For bushfire updates visit Fires Near Me.