FOUR Rural Fire Service volunteers from Medowie have returned home after a five-day working deployment to help battle a large bushfire near Tamworth.

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Deputy Captain Harrison Wright along with Ken Johnson, Louise Morgan and Andrew Goodwin formed part of a Lower Hunter Strike Team sent to relieve local crews who have been battling the Roseneath fire, a 1200 hectare blaze which has been burning since 17 December.

“Local crews had been fighting the fire for almost two weeks and were in need of a break, so fresh crews were brought in to assist,” Mr Wright said.

The Medowie fire fighters, who welcomed in the New Year on the fire ground, worked with aircraft and heavy plant equipment to contain the fire in extremely rugged and arduous terrain, with challenging weather conditions.

“The combination of steep, rugged country and strong, extremely variable, winds made fire fighting very difficult.”

The fires came on the back of a state-wide heatwave, as temperature records tumbled and fire warnings are put in place.

Medowie RFB Community Engagement Office Ken Johnson is urging the public to take heed of any fire warning as the mercury continues to soar.

“Despite the recent rain, the conditions are still very dry, it’s very easy for fires to start,” Mr Johnson warned.

Mr Johnson also urges residents to make, or update, their bush fire survival plan, with a simple guide available at www.myfireplan.com.au