Bushfires in NSW continue to burn after destroying more than 20 homes last week, with dangerous weather conditions returning to the state’s north this week after several days of milder temperatures.

The Rural Fire Service says 24 fires were burning this morning, with seven yet to be contained.

The focus remains on blazes around Tingha, Tabulam and north of Tenterfield that have burned more than 64,000 hectares.

Fire crewed worked overnight to protect homes threatened by the Bruxner Highway fire west of Tabulam.

“The fire is likely to approach some properties throughout today,” the Rural Fire Service says. “However, firefighters remain in position to protect them when required.

“Heavy plant and water-bombing aircraft continue working to establish and strengthen containment lines around the fire.”

The fire on the Tingha Plateau near Inverell has burned more than 23,300 hectares and is today being brought under control after a quiet night, while crews are also working on a fire in the Wallangarra area north of Tenterfield.

Meanwhile, Tasmanian emergency services continue to patrol and fight more than 20 bushfires, even as snow has fallen in parts of the state.

The Tasmania Fire Service says recent rain has slowed the progress of several blazes and conditions are now relatively benign, but flare-ups at affected areas will continue.

In New Zealand, firefighters have worked to secure containment lines on a fire in the Pigeon Valley, in the Nelson area in the northwest of the South Island. The fire perimeter is about 35km, covering about 2343 hectares.