A hazard reduction burn is being controlled by firefighters after skipping containment lines on Sydney's northern beaches, forcing nearby properties to be evacuated.
Around 50 firefighters were in Sydney Harbour National Park at North Head fighting to keep the blaze under control.
The planned hazard reduction burn got away from firefighters this afternoon due to weather changes.
About 9:00pm (local time), the NSW RFS tweeted the fire had progressed south to the local lookout.
"Crews are currently completing backburning on the southern side of North Head Scenic Drive to link the fire to a previously hazard reduced area," the tweet added.
It was not threatening any homes but firefighters were working to protect some structures around the headlands that were at risk.
NSW Police had evacuated nearby residents and businesses, including the Q Station holiday retreat, as a precaution.
Residents in the North Head area were advised to remain in their homes and shut their windows.
Earlier on, Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the fire was "travelling, but it's travelling quite slowly".
"Weather conditions are favourable and wind is not that strong."
Fire and Rescue NSW crews were being assisted by Rural Fire Service and National Parks and Wildlife fire crews.
Two water bombing helicopters were also deployed.
The fire was generating significant smoke which was impacting nearby areas such as Mosman, Manly, and Balgowlah.
"There's a lot of smoke coming off this fire and it's being pushed over the heads," Superintendent Dewberry said.
"It will look pretty bad from the city."
