Firefighters worked quickly to contain a bushfire at Faulconbridge in hot and windy conditions on Sunday afternoon, November 29.
The fire started about 3.30pm on the southern side of the Great Western Highway between Falconbridge and Linden, behind the "Ruines" on a total fire ban day where temperatures were well into the 30s in Springwood.
According to a Rural Fire Service spokesman, about 80 RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters were on the scene at 4.30pm, including a number of aircraft that were critical in controlling the fire. Pilots were seen collecting water from a dam at Springwood Golf Course.
The spokesman said about 2.5 hectares was burnt, and that authorities had been concerned about homes around Martin Place due to the erratic winds, and the impact of the southerly change, but no properties were directly under threat.
The fire was contained just before 6.30pm, with a number of crews remaining in the area overnight and mopping up. The spokesman said firefighters would remain on scene until the fire was completely extinguished.
"Just as they always do, our emergency services are performing an incredible job on our behalf. I know that you would be proud of them all," Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said.
"I would also like acknowledge the fast and strong response exhibited by Blue Mountains units from RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW who took no chances."
Federal Macquarie MP was quick to empathise with residents.
"I know the smoke, sirens and helicopters will have brought back memories for many locals affected by earlier fires," she tweeted on Sunday. "A timely reminder to check your personal bushfire plan."
The power was out at hundreds of homes in the Lower Mountains on Sunday. While most Springwood residents had power back on on Sunday, on Monday morning, the power was still out at 77 homes in Glenbrook and 133 homes at Winmalee, mostly the result of tree damage.
The RFS spokesman said the cause of the fire at Faulconbridge was yet to be determined and an investigation was underway.
With the return of high temperatures on Tuesday, he urged residents: "Not to rest on your laurels. Be alert and have your fireplan ready." A high of 38 degrees is predicted in Springwood on Tuesday.