UPDATE: The fire between Coonabarabran and Narrabri is still raging, the Newell Highway is still closed in both directions.
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Traffic continues to be diverted at Coonabarabran on the Oxley Highway to Gunnedah and the Kamilaroi Highway to Narrabri.
The diversion is suitable for all vehicles.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, allow additional travel time and follow directions of emergency services and traffic crews in the area.
EARLIER: A bush fire burning in the Piliga Forest has blacked around 48,000 hectares, but fire crews are working to control the burn.
The Newell Highway is currently closed between Narrabri and Coonabarabran due to fire activity. A total fire ban was declared for much of NSW from midnight at Saturday.
Rural Fire Service has issued watch and act advice to residents near Dipper Road at Dandry, as fire activity increased in the south western corner of the fireground, near Ryans Road, Limestone Road and No. 1 Break Road.
Read more: Fire breaks out at Bundarra
Firefighters are working with heavy plant to slow the spread of the fire and firefighters are protecting isolated rural properties to the East of Baradine that may be threatened by the fire.
Increased fire activity has put pressure on a number of containment lines.
Smoke will continue to drift across the Wee Waa, Gwabegar and Baradine and Coonabarabran areas. There is, however, no current threat to homes in these areas.
RFS crews have issued the following advice for residents in the area:
- Ensure you and your property are prepared in the event the fire reaches you.
- Check and follow your bush fire survival plan.
- Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety - but only stay if you are mentally and physically prepared to defend in these conditions.
- If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
- Keep yourself informed and monitor conditions.
A Community Fire Information Meeting will be held at 11am at the Barradine Memorial Hall on Narren Street.