The 700 hectare fire is burning in the vicinity of Lake Innes, south of Port Macquarie.

The fire is moving quickly in a southerly direction towards Lake Cathie.

Strong north winds are blowing smoke and embers well ahead of the main fire creating spot fires.

Firefighters are working to slow the spread of the fire and protect properties in the area with waterbombing.

Residents on the northern side of Lake Cathie village including areas off Kenwood Drive, Lakeside Way and Long Point Drive have been advised to monitor for burning embers and spot fires.

If the fire impacts on these locations, residents should seek shelter and protection from the heat of the fire.

Ocean Drive is closed to all traffic between Links Crescent and Dirah Street.

Houston Mitchell Drive is closed between the Pacific Highway and Lake Cathie.

If you are not in the area, it may not be safe to return as roads can be closed at short notice.

Residents living in Edgewater Close at Lake Cathie have been evacuated.

"The fire brigade came down the street and told us to get out," resident Ellen Rounsevell said.

"I grabbed my phone, wallet and clothes. I let the chooks out, grabbed the cockatiels and left.

"I feel absolutely sick not knowing. It's just a waiting game."

Residents in affected areas near Kenwood Drive, Long Point Drive and Houston Mitchell Drive are urgently checking on neighbours to ensure everyone is prepared. There are cheers along the streets as Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW crews supported by police move into the village.

Read more: 700 hectares scorched; backburning a priority

Backburning efforts along Ocean Drive continue. Traffic control is in place whilst these burns are undertaken, as firefighters will be working on the edge of the road.

Please exercise extreme caution and expect delays.

Residents in the Ocean Drive area will notice an increase in smoke and fire activity as these burns are undertaken.

COOPERABUNG - WATCH AND ACT ALERT, October 29, 12 noon: A Watch and Act Alert has been issued for a fire at Ballengara, Bransdon Road, Cooperabung.

An out of control bush fire is burning in the region and RFS crews are on the scene.

HARRINGTON-CROWDY HEAD: To the south of the Hastings, a fire at Bills Crossing in the Crowdy Bay National Park was elevated to emergency alert last night (Monday). The fire is out of control and has burned across 1049 hectares.

Residents at Harrington were told overnight to be prepared for evacuation while RFS crews worked to protect homes in the vicinity of Harrington Waters.

The fire continues to burn on the northern side of Harrington Road in an easterly direction towards the Industrial Estate. Some embers have started spot fires on the southern side of Harrington Rd near the caravan park.

The threat has been reduced to Watch and Act this morning (Tuesday).

The North Coast Public Health Unit is advising Port Macquarie residents to take health precautions while smoke from the weekend's Crestwood bushfire continues to affect local air quality.

Fine smoke particles affect the human respiratory system and can aggravate existing chronic health conditions by penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the blood system.

To stay up to date visit rfs.nsw.gov.au or use the Fires Near Me app.

For information on road closures, check livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.