FIRE UPDATE: Latest on the Bushfire Between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie

UPDATE 7PM:

After fighting a blaze in bush land between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie for most of the day, the fire is now being controlled.

Aerial fire bombers joined in the efforts with more than 70 fire fighters on the ground.

UPDATE 5PM:

More than 100 hectares of bushland to the east of Ocean Drive has been burnt in a fire that crews are still working to bring under control.

NSW RFS District Officer for Mid Coast, Stuart Robb told Triple M, that things are looking up with a change in the weather.

"The winds are starting to ease and the temperature is starting to drop, we've had some great support from the aircraft that have been water bombing for most of the day" he said.

Two big drops from the air tankers on the head of the fire has slowed it's movement, with fire fighters hoping to be able to bring in t under control in the next couple of hours.

District Officer Robb said they hope to have Ocean Drive reopened in coming hours.

"We understand that people have plans for New Years Eve, and we hope to have Ocean Drive opened again, depending on the safety and conditions", he told Triple M.

What we know:

• More than 100 hectares burnt at Elkhorn Trail Lake Innes.
• Ocean Drive Closed to traffic.
• People travelling between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie to take Houston Mitchell Drive (Ghost Road).
• Southern end of Lighthouse Beach evacuated and closed.

UPDATE:

60 Hectares of Tea Tree have been burnt from the fire between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie.

An Aerial Fire Bomber is assisting both the RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW crews.

District Officer for Mid Coast, Stuart Robb spoke to Triple M, saying that strong winds are fueling the blaze.

"During the past few days we've had these high temperatures and strong winds that have been quite persistant", he said.

"Relieve from the weather would be appreciated, but so far so good, everything is looking pretty good'.

The southern end of Lighthouse Beach has now been evacuated due to thick smoke and embers.

What we know:

• More than 60 hectares burnt at Elkhorn Trail Lake Innes.
• Ocean Drive Closed to traffic.
• People travelling between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie to take Houston Mitchell Drive (Ghost Road).
• Southern end of Lighthouse Beach evacuated and closed.

EARLIER:

The fire at Elkhorn Trail between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie is heading south-westerly.

Ocean Drive is currently closed at Emerald Downs.

Geoff Shelton told Triple M, "people aren't realising and traffic is banking back to the schools".

"People heading to Lake Cathie from Port Macquarie need to go on Houston Mitchell Drive", he said.

So far the blaze has burnt out more than 50 hectares.

A water bombing plane is currently assisting crews, with more called in.

"All the Fire Brigade and Bushfire people from Port Macquarie and Cathie are involved, and with the strong Northeasterly wind it's going to take a bit of time to get under control", Mr Shelton said.