UPDATE:
Due to another day of scorching temperatures the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared a total fire ban for the North Western and Northern Slopes and Plains regions.
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The fire ban covers areas such as, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett, Warrumbungle, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth.
RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers has warned anyone caught dropping a lit cigarette during a total fire ban can be fined $1,320.
The Australian Buruea of Meterololgy are predicting 40 degree temperatures over the coming days.
EARLIER:
RURAL Fire Service (RFS) Crews are working day and night to contain a bushfire in the Pilliga National Park.
The blaze which was first reported at about 1pm on Wednesday as now burnt more than 17,000 hectares of bush and forest land.
Six firefighting aircraft have been used to battle the blaze as well as 35 firefighters.
Narrabri RFS operations officer Scott Mack told Fairfax Media crews had spent most of Thursday night back-burning to prevent the fire from spreading.
"Crews did about 40 kilometres worth of back-burning last night to try and contain the fire,” officer Mack said.
The fire operations officer said weather would be a major factor in how crews would battle the fire from today.
“A couple of predicted changes in the wind will determine our strategy from here,” he said.
“A northern wind change is expected for 11am on Friday and if we are able to contain the fire and stop it spreading in the few hours before the next predicted wind change, then that will help us get on top of it for the rest of Friday and Saturday.”
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Officer Mack said it is vital for people to adhere to the total fire ban in place for the North West Slopes and Plains area.
“While at the moment this fire is restricted to bush and forest area it is still important for people to have a bush fire survival plan ready and to not have a fire in the open,” he said.
NSW RFS have declared Saturday January 20 a total fire ban for the North West Slopes and Plains including the Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth areas.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) have advised that the Newell Highway between Coonabarabran and Narabri is closed due to advice given from firefighters on the ground.
Diversions are in place along the Oxley and Kamailaroi Highways.
For live traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com and for up to date fire information visit www.rfs.gov.au.