What is known as the Tingha Plateau fire did not just happen. It has been days in the making. Here are the six key moments identified.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Rural Fire Service crews around Inverell were initially alerted to a grass fire in the Tingha Plateau area at midday following dry thunderstorms the previous night. Crew were working to establish containment lines and monitor the blaze.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Firefighters and aircraft worked to slow down the fire after unfavourable weather conditions fueled the blaze before 10am. Rural Fire Service advised Tingha residents to monitor conditions.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Around 11am, the Rural Fire Service put a watch and act alert on the blaze which had spread to 342 hectares forcing the closure of Thunderbolts Way. Residents around Lake Copeton, Tingha and Gilgai were told to evacuate.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
By 2pm the fire reached emergency warning level as it crossed Thunderbolts Way. RFS crews were undertaking property protection around Tingha and the township was urged to prepare for disaster.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
By the evening evacuation centres had been set up at Inverell High School and Tingha Primary School and Recreation Reserve. The fire was sitting just six kilometres from Tingha's township posing a big threat to isolated properties on the outskirts of the village.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
An RFS statement revealed a lightning strike was believed to be the cause of the fire started on February 10. More than 930 homes were left without power. The fire was downgraded to a watch and alert level after favourable conditions slowed the fire down last night. However, Howell Road residents were warned the fire was heading in their direction.