UPDATE: FIRE DOWNGRADED TO ADVICE
THE Moonbi Range blaze has been downgraded from a Watch-and-Act fire warning.
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Firefighters were still on the ground on Friday night working to stop the out-of-control blaze that was inching closer to the Limbri village, on the outskirts of Tamworth.
The Moonbi Range fire spread through tinder-like property on Friday morning, and sparked a Watch-and-Act fire warning.
But crews - who used everything they had in the air and on the ground to attack the fire - managed to get the upper hand, as conditions eased on Friday afternoon.
The 6,600-hectare was downgraded to advice level shortly after 5.30pm, but the threat it could escape again is ever present.
The RFS was urging locals - who have been on high alert for 10 days now - to remain vigilant.
The fire is to the east of the New England Highway at Moonbi, and burning towards Limbri, as well as isolated properties.
The RFS said the fire was being controlled but landholders in Limbri and the surrounding area had been doorknocked, and were being urged to monitor the conditions in case of swirling winds or a change in conditions.
Residents have detailed the fireground - which they say is like a war zone - with the sustained air attack ongoing all day, everyday.
Water bombers continued to attack the fire, as bulldozers and firefighters worked on the ground, trying to stop the fire from engulfing properties.
CARRAI CREEK FIRE DOWNGRADED
The massive Ebor fire was inching closer to the Carrai Creek fire, after burning through more than 21,450 hectares.
The RFS expects it to merge overnight, and an earlier Watch-and-Act alert for the Carrai Creek fire had been downgraded at 6pm to advice.
The 221,000-hectare blaze was burning towards properties in the Yarrowitch area, in the Walcha shire.
Fire activity and conditions had eased and the immediate threat to properties had reduced, the RFS said.
The fire was continuing to burn in the Upper Yarrowitch and Tia areas and locals were urged to monitor conditions and remain vigilant.
EMERGENCY FODDER ON OFFER
Meanwhile, Local Land Services (LLS) said bushfire affected landholders could collect emergency fodder from the Glen Innes Showground and Walcha Racecourse on Saturday between 8:00am and 4:30pm.
The LLS said the collection points would be closed on Sunday as it and DPI teams reassess demand and resupply. Both emergency fodder collection points will reopen on Monday from 8am to 4.30pm.
The LLS said landholders who need assistance with emergency fodder, emergency water for livestock, or animal assessments, should register their request on the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
The hotline will be open over the weekend between 8am and 5pm.
EARLIER: 11.30AM FRIDAY
A WATCH-and-Act fire warning has been issued for the Moonbi fire, which is spreading out-of-control towards Limbri.
The RFS said the fire activity is increasing on the ground, and is burning towards the Limbri village.
Isolated properties are in the area, and are under threat from the fire because of windy and dry conditions.
The fire is more than 6,500 hectares in size and spreading.
The RFS is working with landholders to try and stop the spread of the fire but locals are being urged to remain viglant and monitor conditions.
"If you are in the area of Limbri and surrounding areas, monitor conditions in case the situation changes," an RFS spokesperson said in the warning alert.
"Know what you will do if the fire threatens your property. Your safest option is to leave early."
It comes as another aircraft and strike team were deployed to control the blaze which is being hampered by swirling winds.
Three fixed-wing bombers and four bulldozers are working around the clock, alongside firefighters, the RFS said on Thursday.
The crews were throwing everything at the blaze, after a suspicious outbreak earlier this week saw the fire jump containment lines.
The outbreak is centred on the Danglemah Road and Limbri Road area.
WATCH-AND-ACT ISSUED FOR CARRAI CREEK FIRE
The RFS says Carrai Creek fire has been increased to a Watch-and-Act alert, as it spreads.
The RFS said the massive fire - which is more than 197,000 hectares in size - is burning towards properties in the Yarrowitch area, in the Walcha shire.
Fire activity is increasing in the Upper Yarrowitch and Tia areas and locals are being urged to monitor conditions and watch out for smoke and embers.
The fire is not under control, and locals are being urging to stay up to date in case conditions change.