Lightning strikes have sparked major bushfires across multiple regions in northern NSW where extreme danger ratings are expected to be in place for days.
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A total fire ban was in effect in the northern slopes and north-western regions, near the Queensland border, as 110 fires burned across the state on Thursday afternoon.
More than 1000 NSW Rural Fire Service personnel were deployed to monitor and battle fires in the dangerous conditions while 55 blazes were yet to be contained.
A blaze in the Nymboida area, 30km southwest of Grafton, eased after an emergency warning was issued and dangerous weather conditions created erratic fire behaviour.
Firefighters were working to establish containment lines around a bushfire that was still burning out of control on Thursday afternoon after covering more than 3475 hectares.
Other keenly watched fires include a 1600ha blaze on Thunderbolts Way, near Gloucester, and a fire that has scorched 1470ha of the national park east of Tenterfield.
RFS operational officer Angela Burford told AAP storm conditions increased the number of fires throughout the day.
"We saw a band of lightning move across northeastern NSW bringing new fire starts as well as in Tamworth and surrounds," she said.
Several blazes west of the Kempsey region are also being watched closely.
A fire in Willi Willi National Park and surrounding areas has burnt more than 29,500ha and is being controlled.
The second bushfire is burning in the Lower Creek area north of the Macleay River, 50km northwest of Kempsey.
A large number of fires across the state require crews to battle remote and difficult to access terrain, particularly in northern NSW.
"Throughout the day we have continued to see numerous fires started by lightning strikes," the RFS said.
More favourable conditions are expected for the rest of the day and into the weekend.
A recovery centre is open in Willawarrin as of Thursday morning for bushfire-affected residents in and around the Kempsey region who are able to leave and seek shelter.
A cold front has brought a major change to weather conditions, including a 10-15C drop in temperatures for many parts of the state on Thursday compared with highs earlier in the week.
While conditions may have eased overnight, fire services are wary of lightning strikes worsening current fires.
Investigations continue into several bushfires on the NSW mid-north coast that are believed to have been deliberately lit.
Australian Associated Press
