Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said firefighters faced terrible conditions yesterday battling the potentially deadly combination of dry heat and tough winds.

"Thankfully, crews did such a great job managing to keep the fire away from people's homes. As far as I'm aware, touch wood, we haven't lost a home but that's not to say we wont today.

"Obviously the RFS' top priority is people and property as well as getting the fire under control. The big concern yesterday was the fact the fire was headed straight for the township of Tingha but as we speak that's not the case and residents should be okay," he said.

However, Old Mill, Tingha and Gilgai residents are urged to stay alert. There has been doorknocking and several text message warnings sent out to affected residents.

With the mercury expected to hit 37, conditions do pose concerns for authorities.

Mr Marshall feared if today is anything like yesterday, things may be quite disastrous.

"It's a scary thing to say but we are in the hands of Mother Nature now. Hopefully we get lucky today and the wind change isn't too bad. My message to people is to listen to the RFS and follow their advice."

The Inverell Times wishes to thank photographer Brayden Vickery for the permission to use his images.