An emergency warning had been declared as firefighters moved to try and control a fast moving grass fire burning near Oura, 14 kilometres east of Wagga.

That level has been downgraded and the fire is now classified as Watch & Act. 

More than 140 volunteers from the NSW Rural Fire Service, supported by six aircraft and four heavy plant continue to work in and around Oura.

The Rural Fire Service is still advising that the fire is burning in Very High fire danger conditions which are difficult to control as embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires which can threaten homes earlier than the main fire front.

PICTURE GALLERY: Oura fire pictures

The fire has affected 790 hectares.

One vehicle has been destroyed by the blaze.

An Emergency Alert telephone warning message has been sent to residents in the area.

Several roads in the area were closed with the RFS issuing that the time for people to leave the area is past with residents in the affected area now asked to seek shelter in homes.

There have been reports that some people have been ignoring this directive.

As of 5.30pm the road blocks to the Oura township were being removed.

Firefighters are pleased that there is currently little to no wind which is assisting them to gain control of the blaze.