Minister urges residents to get bushfire ready

"We have seen a serious bushfire north of Sydney impact homes today, just five days after the official start of the 2012/13 bushfire season," Minister Gallacher said.

Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain two fires at Gosford and Wyee as well as water bombing aircraft.

A number of residents at Lobster Beach and Pretty Beach at Gosford have been asked to evacuate; a while the fire at Wyee is also impacting on homes.

"This afternoon I am heading straight to the fire ground, to show my support to the firefighters who are working extremely hard to contain these fires," Minister Gallacher said.

"The coming fire season has the potential to be one of the worst in many years and I urge members of the community in those fire prone areas to heed the RFS' warnings and get ready now.

"Serious bush and grass fires have already affected properties, now is the time for the public to prepare for the coming bushfire season.

Throughout NSW firefighters have been working to reduce the risk and intensity of upcoming fires by conducting much needed hazard reduction burns.

"The reality is today's fires could be an all too familiar scene as we start to see the warmer temperatures across the summer months.

For further information visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.