WEDNESDAY: Although unconfirmed by Rural Fire Service (RFS) officials, residents along Rifle Range Road have reported the loss of at least one house, sheds and kilometres of fencing.
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The bushfire, burning within the Goonoowigall State Conservation Area between Inverell and Gilgai, is around 1285 hectares in size and is being controlled.
Around 50 fire fighters, 11 appliances and aircraft are being supported by heavy plant machinery to strengthen containment lines with the fire activity easing today.
RFS crews are holding the fire in the area of Rifle Range Road. Bundurra Road is currently open both directions. Rifle Range Road and Staggs Lane are open to local traffic only.
If you are in the area of Staggs Lane, Old Stannifer Road and Stannifer, Gilgai, Goonoowigall and Rifle Range Road continue to monitor conditions.
TUESDAY: Fire fighters worked tirelessly into the night to save homes along Rifle Range Road from a raging bushfire.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) district services officer Cathie Moore said on-ground personnel reported potential impact to structures around Inverell Aggregate yesterday.
"I am not aware of any confirmed reports of homes lost, but there were reports of some structure impacted. Obviously nothing is confirmed at the moment and while the area is still an active fire ground, we will not send people to investigate until it is safe."
With heatwave temperatures expected for most of the state this week, crews are being supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft to strengthen containment lines and protect properties today.
The Staggs Lane fire has increased significantly since a lightning strike caused bush land to ignite last Wednesday.
It has now swept through 1200 hectares within the Goonoowigall State Conservation Area between Inverell and Gilgai.
"Fire activity eased late last night but winds pushed the fire towards Bundarra Road and Staggs Lane. Today residents near Sayers Lane, Goonoowigall, Cicada Lane, Browns Lane and Cunninghams Lane need to monitor fire conditions today and be prepared.
"As the fire grows closer towards Macintyre River and Lake Inverell, residents on the other side should also monitor conditions and be aware as they may come under ember attack," she said.
Power was cut along Rifle Range Road yesterday. With power poles alight, electricity was cut to allow safe access to fire fighters.
Stay up to date on bushfire information by checking the NSW RFS Fires Near Me App and website or by calling the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
MONDAY AFTERNOON: An Incident Management Team (IMT), supporting Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews, has been door knocking to inform and update residents close to the Staggs Lane bushfire.
IMT members are encouraging locals located on Rifle Range Road or near Lake Inverell to heavily monitor fire conditions and be prepared.
RFS district services officer Cathie Moore said south westerly winds sweeping across the fire ground created increased fire activity.
The bushfire has now spread to more than 900 hectares within the Goonoowigall State Conservation Area.
"It is moving in that north easterly direction near Rifle Range Road, towards the Macintyre River and Lake Inverell. It's burning along the western side of Rifle Range Road in the bush area," she said.
An evacuation centre opened at the Inverell Showground, 10 Tingha Road, at 3pm today and will remain open until 10pm. Those who utilise the centre are recommended to register upon arrival.
Across the state, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate over the coming days into the weekend with Thursday and Saturday predicted to produce heatwave-like conditions.
"A lot of work is going on to prepare for these conditions and get as much done in these cooler conditions, where they can, to strengthen containment lines before the adverse weather hits."
A total fire ban is in place for the north west tomorrow.
The bushfire was upgraded to a watch and act advice level at around 1pm today (Monday) as winds picked up
Crews will continue to strengthen containment lines and conduct back burning operations if conditions allow. Bundarra Road is currently open both directions.
EARLIER MONDAY: On ground fire crews are working to strengthen containment lines and conduct back burning operations around the Staggs Lane bushfire.
Started by a lightning strike last Wednesday, the blaze has spread through 528 hectares in the Goonoowigall State Conservation Area.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews have reported some fire heading in the direction of Rifle Range Road, which is closed to local traffic only.
RFS district services officer Cathie Moore said there was no cause for concern as plenty of crews were stationed in the area.
"Residents will see increased fire activity around Rifle Range Road but we have 50 field officers and 11 appliances on this fire, assisted by multiple aircraft.
"As conditions allow, fire fighters are undertaking back burning, basically fighting fire with fire, to strengthen those containment lines," she said.
There will be additional smoke visible around the area. Ms Moore urged residents to call 000 if they spot a fire with no RFS crews in attendance.
"As there is an active fire, residents of Rifle Range Road, Gilgai, Goonoowigall, Stannifer and Staggs Lane should monitor conditions and have a plan prepared when fire threatens," she said.
Staggs Lane is also closed to local traffic only, however Bundarra Road remains open in both directions.