Firefighters said scorching temperatures and stong winds were causing the blaze to spread into a timbered ridge, however it was contained before this could happen.

Mid Lachlan Valley RFS team captain Ken Neville said the blaze was one of three which started near Bogan Gate on Tuesday.

Superintendent Neville said the fires started about 2.30pm on Tuesday, possibly sparked by a train travelling on the Bogan Gate line.

Two of the fires were quickly contained but a blaze which started near the former Army barracks, just east of Bogan Gate, spread into adjacent timbered country and was soon out of control.

An emergency warning for the fire was issued about 5pm with residents on high alert. However it was downgraded around two hours later after firefighters, assisted by water bombers, had some success in controlling the blaze.

“We managed to contain two of the fires quite quickly but the fire just east of Bogan Gate got into a ridge and we had to bring in some fire fighting aircraft – six water bombers and one helicopter, along with some heavy machinery from Parkes Shire Council,” Supt Neville said.

The fire continues to burn this morning and has so far burnt over 50 hectares.

***

UPDATES

January 9, 2013: Morning update: Yesterday evening's fire at Bogan Gate has been once again downgraded to an Advice level over night as firefighters work to control the fire. 

It is not threatening any homes. 

The fire has so far burnt through 60 hectares. 

Fire crews remain on scene. 

January 8, 2013: Firefighters were busy battling several blazes west of Parkes today, which started when a passing train sparked several grass fires near the old army barracks at Bogan Gate.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning for Bogan Gate at around 5pm today.

The fires have so far burnt across 50 hectares.

Firefighters, assisted by water bombers, have had some success against the blaze with the emergency warning downgraded to bushfire watch around act two hours later.

However, they are still working to control the fire and residents are advised to remain aware of what is happening as there is still a level of threat.

The NSW Rural Fire Service recommends that if the fire impacts your property you should seek shelter and protect yourself from the radiant heat.

For information on road conditions or closures, please call the NSW Road Transport Authority on 131 700 or check www.rta.nsw.gov.au

Stay tuned for more updates

6pm: The rural fire service has downgraded fire warnings at Bogan Gate this evening from Emergency Warning to Watch and Act. 

Residents are advised to remain aware of what is happening as there is still a level of threat from the fire. 

Fire fighters are still working to control the fire which has so far burnt across 50 hectares. 

3.45pm: A fire is threatening the township of Bogan Gate, with the Rural Fire Service issuing a warning for residents to shelter in place while the fire passes. 

Several fire crews are on scene, with more fire fighters from Parkes preparing to assist local crews. 

Five fires have started along the railway line, it is believed they were started by sparks from a train. 

The fires are burning to both the west and east of the town. 

The Rural Fire Service is telling residents to seek shelter and protect themselves from radiant heat if the fire impacts their property. 

For detailed advice click here. 

Updates as they come.