07/04/2026
Update: 8:51pm - The New England Highway has now reopened to all traffic. Emergency services will continue to patrol the fireground overnight and tomorrow.
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Advice: New England Hwy, Bendemeer (Tamworth LGA) - Stay Informed
Firefighters have now contained a grass fire that has burnt out nearly 30 hectares this afternoon along the New England Highway at Bendemeer, north of Tamworth. More than 15 firefighters are working to blackout the fire and make safe the area, supported by land owners, RMS and NSW Police Force.
Firefighters supported by RMS are using heavy machinery and specialist chainsaw operators to assess and remove dangerous trees along the highway. Crews are working as quickly and safely as they can to reopen the highway. Small pockets of fire remain active within the fireground.
The fire is believed to have been started by an escaped pileburn. With continued warm and dry conditions, landowners are reminded to monitor forecast weather conditions ahead of undertaking pile burning and only continue if safe to do so.
More information on safe pile burning can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning