The blaze was moved to a ‘watch and act’ incident at 12.20pm.

Watch and act means there is a heightened level of threat. 

“Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family,” the RFS says in explanation of the term on its website.

By the time of the latest advice the fire had burned more than 1600 hectares and remained out of control, the RFS advised the community.

The Yarrabin Road has been closed to all but local residents.

The fire is burning in hilly country between Wellington and Mudgee. 

Firefighters and aircraft are working to slow the spread of the fire, the RFS reports.

“Difficult conditions are expected today,” the RFS advises.

“Winds have picked up this morning and are stengthening. 

“This is causing erratic fire behaviour and is likely to push the fire in a south-easterly direction towards the Cudgegong River.

“Residents and tourists on the eastern side of the Cudgegong River in the vicinity of Bimbajong, Narbethong, Glencoe, Yarrabin, Tacoola and the Cudgegong River Caravan Park should monitor conditions closely and know what they will do in the event the fire threatens.

“Very High to Severe fire danger is forecast for today. Firefighting in these conditions will be difficult.

“Mudgee is likely to be affected by smoke this afternoon.”

RFS advice:

If you are in the area and your plan is to leave, the safest option is to leave now, well before conditions deteriorate.

Yarrabin Rd has been closed to all but local residents.

Monitor conditions in your area.

Waterbombing aircraft are filling up in Lake Burrendong. Please maintain awareness and keep clear.

Check and follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.

Other Information

If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

Roads may be closed without warning. Visit www.livetraffic.com for road information.

EARLIER:

Fire behaviour overnight was erratic however conditions eased about 2 am which allowed firefighters to continue to strengthen containment lines around the fireground, the RFS reported.

Firefighters with the assistance of graders have worked with property owners along Yarrbin Rd near the Cudgegong River to prepare homes for the possible impact of fire later today.

This morning winds are forecast to swing to the north before strengthening late morning in a west to north westerly direction.

This is likely to then push the fire again towards the Cudgegong River.

Residents and tourist on the eastern side of the Cudgegong River in the vicinity of Bimbajong, Narbethong, Glencoe, Yarrabin, Tacoola and the Cudgegong River Caravan Park should monitor conditions closely and know what they will do in the event the fire threatens.

Very High to severe fire danger is forecast for today.

Firefighting in these conditions will be difficult.

Advice

If your plan is to leave, the safest option is to leave this morning.

Monitor conditions in your area.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.

Other Information

If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737. Roads may be closed without warning.

The next update on this fire will be issued by midday on Friday or if the situation changes.

The fire broke out on Wednesday.