THE region's welcome rainfall has delivered mixed results to crews tackling bushfires.
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Significant rainfall fell on several active fire grounds, providing much-needed relief to weary firefighters.
However, other areas such as Barrington Tops received less than two milimetres (mm) of rain.
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Liverpool Range Rural Fire Service (RFS) deputy incident controller Michael Robinson said the scattered rainfall was welcomed by crews.
"The rain really delivered a mixed bag for us, unfortunately," Mr Robinson told the Leader.
"In some places it has really helped crews bring things under control and in others, they weren't so lucky.
"In fact, up around Barrington Tops some of our crews reported kicking up dust as they were carrying out their work.
"Yet in other places, we had two new fires ignited by lightning strikes, which were extinguished virtually straight away by the rain.
"Hopefully in the coming days the rain can become a bit more consistent."
Mr Robinson said the rain would have benefits beyond extinguishing fires.
"One thing the rain will do is give some of our overworked volunteers a chance to take a much-needed break," he said.
"It's been a very busy fire season so far, and any chance for our dedicated volunteer crews to take a break is always welcome.
"As well as that, any rain that falls into catchments or dams will provide us with more resources, should there be more fires later in the season."
The region's catchments did receive some benefit from the rare rain.
Very minor inflows were recorded into Keepit (76ML), Split Rock Dam (340ML) and Copeton Dam (127ML).
The inflows came as a result of significant rainfall totals across the region, including a whopping 103mm at Bundurra.
Meanwhile, Moree recorded its heaviest falls since March 2017 when more than 50mm of rain fell on Thursday afternoon.
Armidale was also enjoyed some welcome rain, recording 24.8mm.
Inverell got it's share of the wet stuff as 35.2mm of rain was recorded on Friday.
"If anything, this rain will bring hope to everyone that things are starting to change," Mr Robinson said.
"There's still a long way to go this season, but hopefully these falls are a sign we have turned the corner.
"Hopefully this is just the start and there's more to come."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
