Water bombing aircraft continued the onslaught all day – crews were pulled out of the Devil’s Hole to concentrate on fires along Mount Canobolas Road as they burned towards the Mountain Tea House, with fires extinguished at the roadside by the early afternoon. 

Backburning resumed later in the afternoon. 

The fire had burned through 1333 hectares at the time of publication, with no homes under threat. 

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Canobolas zone manager Superintendent David Hoadley said aerial incendiary work might occur on Tuesday night to “finish off” the centre of the fire.

“That’s a specialist skill we’ve gotten in recent times,” he said.  

According to weatherzone.com.au, Orange’s predicted top temperature on Wednesday will be 31 degrees, with winds gusting at almost 30km/h.

The RFS has urged people to avoid activities capable of creating fires for the next 48 hours, including grinding and welding.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons encouraged households to discuss what they would do if a fire started nearby. 

“With many parents back at work and kids at school, people need to consider what to do if fire threatens when the family is separated,” he said. 

With no further homes evacuated since Monday and only four people asking for help, the evacuation point at Orange Showground’s Environmental Learning Facility was closed, however NSW Family and Community Services reassured the public it could be reopened at a moment’s notice. 

Two more information kiosks were held at Nashdale Hall and North Orange Shopping Centre car park on Tuesday to update residents. 

Orange City Council provided assistance with road closures and plant staff, also opening Orange Regional Airport to three fixed wing aircraft and six helicopters fighting the blaze.

To seek disaster welfare services, call 1800 018 444.