AAP. 09.01.2013.TONY Abbott has joined a NSW bushfire strike...

AAP. 09.01.2013.

TONY Abbott has joined a NSW bushfire strike team helping to try to contain a fire that has threatened homes on the NSW south coast.

The Opposition Leader has delayed his annual holiday and will for the next three days join the Sydney-based Davidson Rural Fire Brigade on bushfire watch near Nowra.

His crew will help dozens of other teams back-burning and hazard reduction burning during today's milder conditions, and will stay until Friday.

“Look, I'm just one of 65 in this crew and part of thousands across the country,” Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott has been a volunteer with his local brigade since 2000, served as its deputy captain before becoming opposition leader in 2009 and has previously been directly involved with fighting fires.

Warren Truss will serve as acting leader of the opposition during Mr Abbott's absence.

Crews were called in to assist amid fears worsening conditions towards the weekend will play havoc with a major bushfire in the area, which currently has a perimeter of 44km and has cut across the Princes Highway.