AN out-of-control bush fire burning north-east of Orange has almost tripled in size during the past hour.

The blaze started on Saturday afternoon after a property owner accidentally ignited it while undertaking welding work on his property.

The fire quickly spread through grassed areas and reached 78 hectares in size.

Late Monday, the blaze had all but been extinguished before hot, gusty weather created a flare up on Tuesday morning.

The fire is now 217 hectares with crews on the ground and in the air on scene.

TUESDAY, 12PM:

NO properties are currently under threat by the fire burning along Freemantle Road at Gowan, however crews are preparing for any eventuality.

NSW RFS Chifley Team’s Mick Holland said crews on the ground, along with operational staff, are planning for the fire’s potential movements.

“We are conducting a threat analysis for nearby properties,” he said.

TUESDAY, 11.18AM:

A FIRE that was burning north-east of Orange on the weekend has flared up with NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews and aircraft tasked to the site.

An RFS spokesman said the original blaze was 78 hectares.

“There’s been a flare up on the south-east edge so crews are working to contain that,” he said.

“Aircraft have been dispatched from Mudgee and Cudal.”

The spokesman said the aircraft will be attacking the fire from above with water and gel retardant.

He said smoke may be visible to people in the area.

“Do not report fires unless they see an unattended fire,” he said.

TUESDAY, 11.02AM:

FIREFIGHTERS are on their way to a fire burning off Freemantle Road at Gowan.

The blaze has been listed as a bush fire and it is currently out-of-control.

Residents are advised that there is no immediate danger, but to stay up-to-date in case the situation changes.

It is believed that this is the same fire that ignited on Saturday after a property owner accidentally sparked the blaze while using welding equipment.

The fire quickly swept through grasslands and reached 78 hectares in size.