The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued 10 emergency warnings about bushfires out of control across the state, including four in the Armidale, Walcha, Glen Innes and Tenterfield areas.
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The RFS has warned people in the Carrai Creek, Wandsworth, Torrington and Stockyard Flat bushfire areas that "these fires are very dangerous".
"If you are near these fires, your life is at risk and you need to take action to protect your life."
The New England Highway has also been closed between Glen Innes and Tenterfield due to the fire activity, as has the Gwydir Highway between Bald Nob and Tindal Road near Grafton.
The advice for motorists is to stay away altogether; emergency services personnel on-site might grant access to local residents but warned that was at their discretion.
Carrai Creek
People in the Carrai Creek bushfire area of Lower Creek and Comara have been told it is now too late to leave and they should seek shelter.
"Road access to the east is blocked," the RFS said.
"Seek shelter as the fire impacts to protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Shelter in a solid structure."
The fire, which has burnt more than 47,000 hectares, is uncontrolled and has breached containment lines on the northern side.
It is burning towards the east, headed in the direction of Comara.
Wandsworth
A fast-moving bushfire at Wandsworth, south-west of Glen Innes, is heading east towards Ben Lomond.
"Spot fires are starting ahead of the main fire front," the RFS said.
"If you are in the area of Wandsworth and Ben Lomond, monitor conditions ...
"These spot fires may threaten your property ahead of the main fire front.
"Seek shelter if the fire impacts on your property."
Torrington
An emergency warning has also been issued for what's known as the Gulf Road fire in the Torrington area.
The fire is burning at "multiple locations" on Silent Grove Road and Torrington.
"Firefighters are conducting property protection in the Silent Grove Road and Torrington area, assisted by waterbombing aircraft," the RFS said.
"If you are in the areas of Torrington, Silent Grove, Wolfram Hill, Tungsten, Maids Valley and Mole River, seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire."
Stockyard Flat
More than 18,300 hectares have been burnt in the area of Stockyard Flat, Spur Trail, Yarrowitch and Oxley Wild River National Park area in the Walcha local government area.
That fire is also out of control and is moving east towards Pappinburra, Birdwood and Forbes River.
It has already merged with Doyles River fire in the east and the RFS says may join with the Mt Werrikembe and Dingo Creek fires in coming days.
Its advice for people in that area north of the Oxley Highway and Forbes River should seek shelter as the fire approaches.
"Protect yourself from the heat of the fire by sheltering in a solid structure."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
