Fire crews are currently attending an out of control bush fire on Castlereagh Road at Richmond, near the grounds of the university.
Around five to six Rural Fire Service Hawkesbury units are working on containing the blaze which is moving north towards Londonderry Road.
Castlereagh Road is currently closed to traffic in both directions and diversions are in place. If possible motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Joel Woodman of North Richmond was traveling along Castlereagh Road and called Triple Zero when the fire started around 2:30pm today (Wednesday). He said he saw the branch of a tree hit power lines, and a fire begin in bush land soon after.
A spokesperson for Hawkesbury RFS said they couldn’t confirm yet what the cause of the fire was, but said crews on the fire ground were working hard to contain the blaze.
The water bombing Hercules aircraft, Thor, was seen flying around Richmond at the time but the RFS spokesperson said it wasn’t currently assisting in fighting the fire, but more likely carrying out preparation runs.
The Gazette will update readers as new information comes to light.