The Newell Highway has been closed between Coonabarabran and Narrabri as a bush fire rages in the Pilliga Forest.
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The fire, to the east of Baradine, is at Watch and Act alert level, after burning through approximately 48,000 hectares.
Firefighters are working with heavy plant to slow the spread of the fire. Firefighters are working with residents to prepare and protect isolated rural properties in the area where required.
Increased fire activity has put pressure on a number of containment lines.
Smoke will continue to drift across the Wee Waa, Gwabegar and Baradine and Coonabarabran areas. There is, however, no current threat to homes in these areas.
Residents are urged to ensure people and properties are prepared in the event the of a fire.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) advises that if people do not have a plan, they should decide what to do if the situation changes. Leaving early is the safest option.
Keep informed and monitor conditions.
Motorists are being diverted via the Oxley Highway to Gunnedah and then along the Kamilaroi Highway. The diversion can be used in both directions and is suitable for all vehicles.
Meanwhile traffic conditions have returned to normal after a truck lost a load of metal on the Newell Highway near Tooraweenah.