A large blaze is threatening a power station and coal mines near Lithgow, in the Blue Mountains, and, with temperatures set to soar in NSW later this week, the Rural Fire Service is worried.
The Mount Piper Power Station generates around 10 per cent of the state's electricity and there is concern the fire could threaten power supplies in the region.
"We are well prepared and well supported by the RFS and Fire and Rescue," spokeswoman Katie Brassil said. Ms Brassil said the facility had been forced to close, in part, because smoke had been sucked deep into the mine through the ventilation shafts. The RFS is bracing for a heatwave and strong winds that are expected to sweep through NSW on Thursday and Saturday.Penrith is expected to be one of the hottest parts of the state with 44C forecast for Thursday and up to 46C predicted on Saturday.
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