Update 6pm: The fire in a pine plantation near Lismore is now under control.
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Country Fire Authority district six operations officer Mark Gunning said police will investigate the blaze which began at 3.15pm this afternoon.
"We believe the fire began as a planned burn-off and escaped its perimeters," he said.
"The same penalties apply to escaped burn-offs as a deliberately lit fire in a fire danger period."
Mr Gunning said around a hectare had been burnt including bits of pine forest.
Residents are warned that smoke will linger in the air for some time.
Earlier: TEN emergency vehicles are responding to a fire in a pine plantation near Lismore.
Country Fire Authority district six operations officer Mark Gunning said firefighters responded to a fire in a pine slash plantation near Ramon Close at around 3.15pm on Monday.
"It was contained to the area of plantation which is about a hectare," Mr Gunning said.
"It appears it may have come from an adjoining burnoff and police will investigate that."
He said an excavator was helping firefighters to gain access to the blaze.
Authorities have sent out an advice message for Lismore and the surrounding district, including Berrybank, Derrinallum, Foxhow, Gnarkeet, Gnarpurt, Larralea, Leslie Manor, Mingay, Mount Bute, Wallinduc.
Mr Gunning said it was important people adhered to the advice.
"Inline with the health advice, people need to be aware that smoke can irritate respiratory conditions and stay indoors where possible," he said.
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