UPDATE: December 6, 11am.
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A total fire ban has been declared for north-eastern NSW, including the Bellingen Shire, due to the sever fire rating that has been forecast.
The Andersons Creek fire is now more than 2200 ha and burning in rugged bushland within New England National Park. It is currently north of the Bellinger River, west of Darkwood and at the escarpment near 'Rim of the World' community.
Forecast conditions are for temperatures of 34 degrees with seven per cent humidity and winds from the west around 17 kph.
Under these conditions there is a chance the fire may threaten properties in the Thora Valley including Darkwood and Thora and cross to the south side of the Bellinger River. The chance of fire spotting is high.
At the time of writing the fire is listed at 'advice' level but this could change rapidly.
Residents in Bishop Creek, Darkwood and Thora should prepare for bushfire and residents throughout the Bellingen and Coffs Harbour areas should review their bushfire survival plans - or prepare one if they have not already done so.
Major fire updates will be posted at www.rfs.nsw.giv.au and on local ABC radio.