The blaze began not far from the Howell Road junction in Tingha and it was unable to be controlled by initial attendance of the Rural Fire Service.

Fire fighters subsequently went into property protection mode as five farmhouses were under an immediate threat. The selfless efforts of police saw two vehicles become cut off as the fire engulfed the surrounding scrubland. The fire passed over the emergency vehicles as officers took cover inside.

No injuries were sustained by the attending officers at that time.

Roads were also blocked all around the hamlets of Tingha, Gilgai, Old Mill and off the Thunderbolts Way, trapping many commuters and travellers in a maelstrom of confusion. Traffic was diverted through inlets such as Stannifer adding to travel time by as much as an hour. Rural Fire Service, SES, NSW Police and Council were involved with road blocks, traffic diversions and evacuations.

As of 5am Wednesday morning Thunderbolts Way between Gilgai and Howell Road remains closed with all other surrounding roads open.