The NSW RFS have downgraded the fires today (Wednesday, November 13) around the region with condition easing overnight.

The fire at Bretti, north of Gloucester is currently on Watch and Act status and it has moved closer to the Tapin Tops National Park fire, also listed as Watch and Act. Both fires put on emergency warning status yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, November 12), with affected residents being advise to seek shelter.

The bush fires burning from the Thunderbolts Way across to Nowendoc and toward Taree are more than 10,000 hectares in size and remain out of control as at 9am this morning.

A southerly change this morning has seen the fire move in a northerly direction, however, fire activity has decreased and firefighters are working to control the fire. Easing conditions are expected for today and tomorrow (Thursday, November 14) with heightened conditions predicted for Friday (November 15)

The RFS advise that if you are in the Thunderbolts Way, Nowendoc River and Mount George areas, to remain vigilant and monitor conditions.

Road closures have also been a factor during the past 24 hours, with access to Taree or Forster shut down throughout the day and the Thunderbolts Way being closed in both directions between Nowendoc and Barrington around 6pm last night.

Schools in and around Gloucester evacuated yesterday afternoon to ensure students were able to get home before while still safe to do so. The public schools that will remain closed today are: Barrington Public, Gloucester Public, Gloucester High, Krambach Public, Stroud Public, Stroud Road Public and Stratford Public. For a full list visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety. St Joseph's Primary School closed for Tuesday and remains closed today.

At this stage there is no evacuation centre set up in Gloucester, the nearest is Club Taree, however, the road closure may affect access to Taree. For a list of evacuation centres open visit https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/for-the-community/disaster-assistance/disaster-assistance.aspx.

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, using the Fires Near Me app or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

For information on road closures, check www.livetraffic.com, use the LIve Traffic NSW app or visit https://midnorthcoast.myroadinfo.com.au/overview.asp. Roads may be closed without warning.

The New South Wales Police Force and New South Wales Rural Fire Service wish to thank the community for taking warnings seriously and taking action during yesterday's dangerous bush fire conditions.

A Total Fire Ban remains in place for the whole of the state.