Giant bushfire prompts evacuation centre set-up

Sam McKeith | December 18, 2023

A smoke plume from a giant blaze in northwest NSW can be seen across an area spanning hundreds of kilometres as an uncontained bushfire threatens properties.

An evacuation centre was set up at Narrabri on Monday as an out-of-control fire in forest at nearby Pilliga quickly grew to more than 64,600ha.

The bushfire was at emergency level early in the morning before being downgraded to watch and act.

Smoke could be seen across an area spanning hundreds of kilometres from Coonamble to Tamworth and Dubbo, the NSW Rural Fire Service said.

While the immediate threat had eased, north-westerly winds were forecast to increase and they could push the fire east, the RFS said.

“Landholders in the areas of Baan Baa, Wynella and Willala should monitor the situation closely and review their bush fire survival plan and prepare their properties,” it said.

“Firefighters remain in the area working with property owners.”

There were 56 bush and grass fires burning statewide about midday on Monday, however only two were considered out of control.

A high fire danger warning was in place for parts of the state’s north near the Queensland border, including the area surrounding Narrabri.