NSW bushfires: major blaze in Pilliga downgraded with 63 burning across state

Duck Creek fire in the Pilliga burning about 17km south of Narrabri, while more bushfires hit Sydney and Hunter regions

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Further evacuation warnings available at the RFS Fires Near Me page
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails,free app or daily news podcast

Firefighters are tackling more than 60 blazes across New South Wales, including a giant out-of-control bushfire in the Pilliga forest in the state's north-west that has been fuelling dangerous fire-generated thunderstorms.

The fast-spreading bushfire at Duck Creek in the Pilliga forest was burning about 17km south of the town of Narrabri, home to more than 12,000 people, and 21km west of Boggabri on Tuesday afternoon.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup