The blaze started at around 5.15pm, but with local brigades responding quickly, the fire was under control by about 7.30pm.

Unfortunately the fire burnt out about 300 acres.

Rural Fire Service Southern Tablelands Zone operations manager, Ian Kennerley, said the local fire brigades worked well together to have it controlled within a couple of hours.

"We had controls on it last night and Monday as well," he said.

"There were 45 people on the ground and 25 tankers, all from the local Crookwell/Gunning area.

"The new bulk water tanker, which was only two days old, was put to good use and went out as there is hardly any water out there," said Mr Kennerley.

"It managed to burn out grass country before moving up quite a rough, rocky hill, but we were able to put it out on the eastern side of the hill."

Another fire broke out on Saturday, December 12, at "Hillside" on Fish River Road, after a tree had been struck by lightning.

"It looks like the tree was struck on Monday of last week during the storms and sat smouldering for four or five days," said Ian.

32 tankers, 65 personnel, three fixed wing water bombers and one dozer were on hand to contain this blaze which also managed to burn out 300 acres. Leading up to Christmas Mr Kennerley expects more action and said with water supplies getting critical it will have a big effect on how they will fight fires.

He said people need to be vigilant of what they do on the land at the moment as one spark can cause a lot of damage, given how rapidly the zone has dried off.

"Don't mow your grass while it's hot, either with farm machinery or a lawn mower," said Mr Kennerley.

"There is a lot of grass around and it is very dry - it will burn very quickly and easily.

"I will also advise landowners to check the clearance between powerlines and trees and if they feel there are any problems to contact the local Council office as soon as possible."

As well as fighting local fires, the RFS has sent crews to Armidale to utilise their gear up there and offer the northern crews a break.