NSW bushfires: Firefighters preparing for conditions to worsen

After a week of hot, windy and dry conditions, emergency services were buoyed by a smattering of rain in the state’s north and are attempting to use this to their advantage before conditions worsen this week.

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Firefighters battling almost 20 blazes across the state are attempting to eliminate some fires before conditions worsen this week.

After a week of hot, windy and dry conditions, emergency services were buoyed by a smattering of rain in the state’s north last week.

They are now trying to take advantage of this before conditions worsen on Thursday.

RFS spokesman Ben Shepherd said firefighters face the physically demanding task of creating firebreaks at Ewingar, near Drake.

“The shower took a bit of a sting out of the fire,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Susan Whitbread lost $40,000 worth of cattle that were killed by the bushfire that tore through the area of Ewingar. Picture: Dylan Robinson

“RFS has now been able to get dozers in and create some dry fire breaks, as well as locate rivers and roads that could also be used.

“Due to the wetness on the ground backburning has been limited but locals will see more fire activity today as RFS try to destroy fuel on the ground.”

Firefighters, and locals alike, have struggled to source water to combat the blazes, drawing vital supplies from farmer’s dams and creeks as the state suffers the worst drought in living memory.

Almost 20 fires are still burning across the state with the worst of them near Drake.

More than 30 properties were destroyed as bushfires ripped through northern New South Wales. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The blaze, which has been burning since September 5, killed an elderly couple last week and razed more than 20 structures.

Due to the wild country in the state's north, RFS have struggled to get heavy machinery and trucks on the ground to create dry firebreaks.

It is critical the workers move quickly with conditions expected to worsen later this week.

A fire affected property in Rappville. Picture: AAP

Bureau of Meteorology Forecaster Helen Kirkup said the temperatures and winds are moderate but they will worsen.

“What’s important is that the next front that is on Thursday, that will bring in stronger winds and higher temperatures,” she said.

“Armidale is forecast for around 23 degrees today, that will jump up to 30 later in the week. While Lismore and Casino are expecting 26 today, this will get up to 33 later in the week.”

Emergency services have already identified areas near Tamworth and Armidale as areas of concern for flare-ups this week.