Thunderstorms, strong and erratic winds, and dry bushland created the 'perfect storm' on the Mid North Coast on Saturday.

The work put in by local firefighters on containment lines along Upper Buckrabendinni Rd last week proved effective in keeping the Kian Rd fire at bay along its northerly edge.

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But over 50kph winds enabled the fire to run east, breaking over containment lines at Hanging Rock Rd in a beeline for South Arm.

"We were really lucky it didn't break the creek at South Arm - aircraft were really helpful in ensuring that outcome," Kempsey Fire Control Centre public liaison officer Leanne Bell said.

Twenty-three local firefighters from National Parks and Wildlife and RFS are currently containing its spread.

The local crews are also still being supported by waterboming efforts from the 11 aircraft in service throughout the Lower North Coast zone.

That fire is at Advice Level.

On Thursday, another fire was detected at Fortescue Creek, near Taylors Arm.

That fire is currently out of control and has burnt through 155 hectares of state forest.

With the dry, hot wind on Saturday causing havoc around the region, nearby residents received a doorknock from RFS field liaison officers asking them to prepare to fight or flee.

"Under those conditions there was a high chance that it could have gone all the way to Taylors Arm," Leanne said.

Weather conditions have since eased and no properties are under threat at the moment.

With crews battling for a week and a half to hold back the Kian Rd fire, and the Jacob's Spur fire down near Kempsey, the call was made to bring in interstate support.

Today around 30 firefighters are arriving from Victoria to provide relief to our hard-working local firies.

More help is also arriving from over the border to aid the behind-the-scenes efforts; managing communications and the supply of food, water, fuel, and maps.

Tonight crews on the fire front can look forward to rissoles, chicken schnitzels and roast veggies prepared by the Macksville Ex-Services Club which has been feeding our firies since the Kian Rd fire first broke out.

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