Emergency services are warning that the list of lives at risk is growing, as the Duck Creek Pilliga fire expanded to more than double its size overnight and locals are told it's too late to leave.. 

The bush fire has burned more than 129,292 hectares, burning more than 60,000 hectares last night alone, with embers starting spot fires well ahead of the main firefront.. 

“Overnight the fire generated a thunderstorm (pyro-cumulonimbus) to the south east of the fireground, causing dangerous and erratic fire behaviour,” a statement from the RFS explained. 

Moore Creek Rural Fire Brigade explained that the weather cloud generated by the fire is something that usually only happens during the day, forming flame heights 2-3 times that of the vegetation. 

“Fires normally die down during the night. Not this one,” the local brigade explained. 

The advice has shifted to an emergency warning, as several localities around the Narrabri and Boggabri LGAs have been urged to seek safety, with conditions making it too late to leave. 

The fire has gone through the facilities, where locals have been concerned about potential explosions from the gas pipeline that has recorded leaks in its past. 

According to sources, the full extent of the damage won’t be known until it is safe for Santos to review. 

Santos shut down their operations in preparation of the fire.

To date, there are no reports of explosions or impact from the fire travelling through the facility, with reassurance from the RFS that Santos has strong acid protection zones around their infrastructure. 

The fire is one of 63 fires burning across the state, with 15 not yet contained (as at 7am this morning).

“Today’s forecast is for high fire danger throughout the central and south-western parts of the state,” the RFS said in a statement.

“While there are no Total Fire Bans declared, it’s important you are prepared and know what you’ll do if threatened by fire.”

If you are in the areas of Baan Baa, Willala or Goolhi, your life is at risk. It is too late to leave. Seek shelter now in a solid structure such as a house. Do not be caught in the open in the path of the fire. 

Two evacuation centres have been established, at the Gunnedah PCYC (View Street, Gunnedah), and The Crossing Theatre (117 Tibbereena St, Narrabri).