Fire fighters continued to battle a bushfire at Winmalee, west of Sydney today after strong winds and hot, dry temperatures fuelled fires in the area.

At least eight fire fighters have been injured tackling a series of bush fires that started burning out of control yesterday.

New South Wales Premier, Barry O'Farrel has warned residents to prepare their homes for the possibility of more fires during the summer months.

"My message to families in areas that are bushfire-prone is to start to take your precautions now for summer. Don't leave it another month or two months. Clean out your gutters, prepare your plans, so that we can battle what is clearly going to be a difficult bushfire season," he said.

More than 150 fire fighters were brought in from around the state to fight the fires, along with scores of fire engines and specialist aircraft, the Rural Fire Service said.

Local media reported that the fire tore through more than 500 hectares and up to 200 homes remain without power in the area.

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