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IN PHOTO: Firefighters battling the King Fire watch as a backfire burns along Highway 50 in Fresh Pond, California September 16, 2014. The fire led officials to call on about 400 people to evacuate from areas threatened by the blaze, Cal Fire spokeswoman Alyssa Smith said. It has charred more than 11,500 acres (4,654 hectares) and was 5 percent contained on Tuesday. REUTERS/Noah Berger

The out-of-control bushfire in the Blue Mountains has the potential to destroy nearby homes due to the 70km/hr strong winds that have been predicted to come on Saturday afternoon. Although the fire broke out on Friday night, it gained momentum early on the next morning after winds accelerated.

After the fire broke out, at least 130 Rural Fire Service officers, along with two waterbombing helicopters, have been trying to contain the 30-hectare blaze. While the authorities confirmed the homes weren’t under immediate threat, wind gusts and the vegetation in that area could help the fire spread towards settlements.

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said the areas down a cliff near Hordern Road, Coronation Road and Tableland Road where the fire broke out were inaccessible. "We will look to identify some containment lines or places we can pull this fire up. With this weather forecast, it is unlikely we will have this fire contained today," he said.

He also said that bushfire in the Blue Mountains was a usual site during winters. However, he added that it seemed unusual this time as it was snowing only a week ago, reported ABC .

He warned people to be aware as spot fires may seem to increase due to the presence of burning materials caused by escalating winds. "Firefighters had a fair bit of success this morning in holding the fire from progressing any closer to Coronation Road and that's where there are a number of homes," he said.

Inspector Shepherd confirmed that every house in the area was alerted via text messages on Friday night. Although an evacuation notice hasn’t been issued yet, everyone was advised to stay away from the fire-affected area.

The bushfire could potentially affect seven local government areas if it escalated further, police confirmed. Meanwhile, a man who was found nearby was taken to Springwood police station where he was being questioned by detectives.

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