Water bombers and firefighters are attempting to stop the fire crossing into the nearby Garigal National Park.
Last Update: Monday, October 9, 2006. 0:12am (AEST)

Crews brace for long night as bushfire rages in northern Sydney

The bushfire raging in Sydney's north is now threatening a National Park.

Seven fire tankers are working on a spot fire that has crossed the Wakehurst Parkway near Garigal National Park.

A spokeswoman for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) says the fire is not threatening property, but 150 firefighters will remain on the ground throughout the night and four water bombing helicopters will help fight the fire on Monday.

RFS Commissioner Phil Koperburg says there was no permit issued for the burn that is believed to have been started the fire.

Fire investigators say they will look into the illegal burn-off in Cromer Heights, which quickly got out of control.

A RFS spokeswoman says firefighters are experiencing wind gusts of up to 60 kilometres an hour and erratic fire behaviour.

Extensive backburning operations are underway to contain the fire, with fire crews expected to work throughout the night.