FIREFIGHTERS are protecting homes from a bushfire burning northwest of Wyong on the NSW Central Coast.

A watch and act alert was issued early this afternoon for the fire burning in bushland in the Kulnara area near Bumble Hill Rd and Forest Rd.

The Rural Fire Service says firefighters are protecting several properties and it advises residents in the area to enact their bushfire survival plans and stay alert.

Waterbombing aircraft were in action and the fire was generating large amounts of smoke.

Warm and windy weather was expected for later on Monday, making difficult conditions for firefighters.