Fire fighters battling an erratic blaze in the Tingha Plateau breathed a sigh of relief on Monday following a week-long battle to contain the fire.
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After starting on February 10 due to a lightning strike, the huge fire burnt through more than 23,400 hectares of land destroying 13 houses and 44 outbuildings.
Six houses and 13 outbuildings were also damaged, although most importantly not a single loss of life was reported.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews confirmed hundreds of fire fighters, supported by Fire and Rescue NSW, worked day and night to contain the blaze and protect 375 houses and 333 outbuildings.
Back up crews from across the state were sent in to assist local brigades and other emergency services tasked to the fire.
Topper's Mountain Wines vineyard owner Mark Kirkby reported 100 per cent loss of their vintage and infrastructure after assessing the damage on Saturday.
"Fire spotting from the forest into our vineyard means we won't be able to fully quantify for nine to 12 months," he said, absolutely devastated.
"The fire destroyed the vintage, vineyard infrastructure and the vine itself."
An RFS update confirmed crews would continue to consolidate and strengthen containment lines and patrol the fireground for possible flare-ups in the following days.
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Directly impacted residents have been directed to a recovery point set up until Friday afternoon at the Tingha Sport and Recreation Club on New Valley Road.
Disaster Welfare Services, Local Land Services (LLS), Council and Rural Mental Health Services are available at this location to provide assistance and emergency reilef.
Northern Tablelands LLS representatives highlighted the fact drought conditions were severe prior to the Tingha fire.
"However the fires have fast-tracked the need for farmers to make tough decisions. If you are considering reducing your livestock numbers contact your selling agent as there are store sales in Inverell and Tenterfield today."
If you need advice to help you make decisions about whether to feed or sell your livestock please contact livestock officers on 6732 8800. If you require emergency fodder or water call 1800 814 647.
Disaster relief grants are available for eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household contents have been damaged or destroyed.
A criteria must be met before the grant is accepted. To be eligible you must be a low income earner and meet an income asset test and not be covered by insurance.
You must also be able to demonstrate that the affected home is a principal place of residence and that the damage was caused by the disaster. To apply for financial assistance call Disaster Welfare Services on 1800 018 44.
