· Halls Gap dodged fire bullet
· Conditions ease in South Australia
· Bushfire threatens WA homes and lives

Several isolated rural properties have come under threat from a bushfire in southern NSW that has intensified in deteriorating conditions.

An emergency warning has been issued for the Humula, Carabost and Little Billabong areas after a south westerly wind change on Sunday afternoon put homes “under immediate threat” from the out-of-control Minnimbah fire, which is “burning quickly and erratically”, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says.

It’s blazed through more than 8000 hectares.

“Firefighters are actively undertaking property protection,” the RFS said on its website.

“There are reports of property losses, however due to dangerous fire conditions, firefighters are unable to enter a number of fire-affected areas.”

Smoke and embers are being blown over Humula and containment lines at Carabost and Shockeroo roads are under pressure.

Several roads are closed in the area.

Great pic from @siobhanheanue of fire twirl at Carabost fire, crews still working to protect homes #nswfires pic.twitter.com/kAslGUYzKX

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 19, 2014

More than 60 firefighters, heavy machinery and water bombing aircraft are trying to bring a fire at Redbank, near Bathurst, under control.

The bushfire, which has scorched more than 300ha, is burning through a pine plantation and “is proving difficult to contain”, the RFS said.

“If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early,” the RFS advises residents on its website.

Frantic work to build containment lines for a third bushfire at Minjary, between Canberra and Wagga Wagga, is also underway.

The scrub fire has burnt 2675ha and is being controlled.

About 900 firefighters have been deployed across NSW to battle 50 new fires sparked on Saturday by lightning strikes.

RFS spokesman Matt Sun said 86 fires were burning across NSW, with about 20 un-contained.