Detectives are continuing to probe the suspicious Moonbi fire, as well as a dangerous outbreak, as fire crews battle winds that are swirling 360 degrees.
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The Moonbi fire - which police believe was deliberately lit on November 12 - is still not under control.
On Wednesday, Strike Force Tronto - the force's dedicated arson squad - made a public appeal for help to find firebugs behind a string of suspicious blazes, including the Moonbi fire.
A total fire ban will be in place in the Northern Slopes and North West fire zones on Thursday, and a very high fire danger is forecast for the New England.
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Searing temperatures in the next few days are also expected to frustrate exhausted firefighters.
RFS incident controller for the Moonbi fire, Superintendent Geoff Hogan, said crews were continuing to try to stem the breakout that led to the fire raging out of containment lines.
It's already burnt through more than 6200 hectares in steep, difficult terrain, and through several properties.
"Over the next 24 hours, we're seeing the wind come from all directions," Superintendent Hogan said.
"It's actually doing a 360-degree turn over the next 24 hours, so that'll be the challenging part."
He urged landholders to remain vigilant should the situation worsen, and threaten properties.
"The varying winds are causing us to change our work, to revisit our strategies," Superintendent Hogan said.
"We have aircraft continuing to support our operations, and a number of dozers that are continuing to work to build containment lines around the outbreak."
Oxley police - including detectives - have spoken to witnesses and landholders as part of their arson investigation but are appealing for public help.
Anyone with information on suspicious activity or vehicles in and around the Moonbi Range area, or who could help investigators, is urged to contact Tamworth police on 6768 2999.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
