The blaze initially started before 2pm on January 16 along Leviathan Road, Auburn Vale. Around six RFS trucks and multiple aircraft worked to control the fire into the late hours of the night.

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said dozers were currently on ground building containment lines, along with 35 RFS personnel and National Parks crews.

“Something for residents to be aware of is crews are conducting back burning on the fire which is going to put up a fair amount of smoke. They will notice an increase in smoke and fire activity but shouldn’t be alarmed,” he said.

After looking at aerial vision of the 36 hectare long blaze, Insp Shepherd said as the fire entered grazing country it was extinguishing on its own. 

A small amount of rain falling on the fire ground yesterday evening reduced its activity but was not enough to contain the blaze.

AS IT HAPPENED: Pine Ridge Road resident describes out-of-control blaze

“RFS crews will be working to contain the fire today, ahead of once again some warm and windy weather.

“We had a lot of lightning across the state yesterday with the possibility of some more dry lightning today; there is a possibility we will detect more fires.”

Insp Shepherd said a number of units stood down last night around 9.15pm with the fire still burning through the Pine Ridge Road forest country.

“Most crews stood down and the fire was patrolled overnight. There has been no threat to property,” he said.