Police were told a group of teenagers had built a fire at the base of a cliff near Wattlecliffe Drive at Blaxland about 4pm on Wednesday when they were challenged by local residents.

Police say the teenagers attempted to smother the blaze; however, it spread and firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW were called to extinguish it before it spread into bushland.

Officers from the Blue Mountains Police Area Command were alerted and arrested three boys, all aged 16, at the scene.

They were taken to Springwood Police Station where they were each charged with intentionally light fire and be reckless to its spread.

They were granted conditional bail to appear in a Children’s Court on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Inquiries are ongoing.

Police have reminded members of the public to check with the NSW Rural Fire Service before lighting fires as total fire bans may be in place.