The Northern Tablelands Rural Fire Service advises that firefighters and and National Parks & Wildlife Service crews spent Sunday protecting properties and backburning to blacked out the edge of the fire that started Friday on Mt Mackenzie Road.

The status of the fire is now 'being controlled', with more than 3500ha burnt.

The Bruxner Highway may be affected by smoke and closed at short notice.

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Meanwhile more than 20,000ha has burned south of Drake, with firefighters and landholder working through the day yesterday to protect a number of properties.

Crews have been assisted by water-bombing aircraft and heavy plant used to build containment lines.

The fire remains uncontained and is moving east towards the Clarence River. Crews have visited residents in Ewingar and Tilbaroo and areas on the western side of the river.

There are reports of property damage in the area and bushfire impact teams are inspecting damaged properties. Local Land Services teams are in the area checking on livestock welfare.

Road blocks may be put in place at short notice and road users are asked to use caution given the large number of fire trucks on and near the roads.