Update
A fire at Jalna Road, Bendemeer has been upgraded to Watch and Act status.
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The fire now covers 56ha and is currently out of control.
The fire burned to the south-west of Bendemeer near Mount Gulligal and Jalna Road and firefighters worked to protect properties in the area.
Property owners around Jalna Road were warned to monitor conditions and have a Bushfire Survival Plan ready if the fire threatened.
A total fire ban has been declared for Thursday in New England, Northern Slopes and North West, due to the forecast for hot and windy conditions.
Earlier
LIGHTNING strikes have started nine fires in the New England North West region overnight.
Tamworth Rural Fire Service crews are in the process of containing a tree and grass fire at Duri-Dungowan Road at Timbumburi.
Another fire has been reported at Ogunbil Road at Dungowan.
The exact location of the other fires is still being determined by RFS operations, with reports as far north as Bendemeer and east towards Weabonga.
With more lightning storms predicted for later this afternoon, crews are rushing to establish containment strategies, Tamworth RFS operational officer Matt McKean said.
"Over the course of the last hour we've had about eight lightning strikes flared up from the storm that passed through last night," he said.
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"Absolutely there's potential for more lightning strikes causing fires to start.
"There are reports from various locations including Retreat, Bendemeer, Kyabra, Duri-Dungowan and Weabonga."
Members of the public should report any unattended fires to 000.