A TOTAL fire ban is in force again on Saturday as fire crews battle hot, dry and windy conditions.
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A severe fire danger rating is forecast for the New England, Northern Slopes and North West areas, as fires still rage near Tamworth and across the Northern Tablelands.
RFS Superintendent Allyn Purkiss said the Moonbi fire - which has burnt more than 5000 hectares - was still being controlled on Friday night, after escaping in steep terrain and winds.
"It took a little run [on Friday] morning on the southern side, down on Danglemah Road side," he said.
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Crews then shifted in heavy plant, building tracks to stop it jumping containment lines.
Three aircraft, seven bulldozers and graders, as well as more than 70 firefighters, attacked the blaze, which was deliberately lit on Tuesday on the Moonbi Ranges.
"We have a strike team from Fire and Rescue out there, so four trucks, and that has firefighters from Narrabri, some from Armidale and Tamworth, and we've got a few from Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains," Superintendent Purkiss said.
The firefighters were trying to contain the blaze that was leaving the hills, headed towards the south-east containment lines near Danglemah Road, as well as the east towards Woolbrook and Nerstane.
Miraculously, there had been no properties lost, just one makeshift old camper that was scorched off Bendemeer Station Road.
"They've done a good job to save all the houses and the sheds, and they have saved most of the stock that is up there, too," Superintendent Purkiss said.
"But if people are looking for any help with injured stock and water replacements, they can contact the DPI [which is] waiting to assist."
The temperatures and winds are set to continue at the weekend and into next week.
More severe fire dangers and total fire bans are expected - but no reprieve from the winds for the exhausted crews.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
