The grass fire that started at 10:38am is located in the rail corridor behind Ashton Coal and two water bombing helicopters are being employed to control the fire along with 21 personnel from  RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue as well as employees from surrounding mining companies and ARTC staff.

Despite the strong winds the fire’s smoke is not impacting on the New England Highway.

Visibility is poor due to the dust storm that is heading east across the region.