NSW bushfire fuels dangerous thunderstorms as residents warned to seek shelter

Weather alert for massive Duck Creek Pilliga forest fire burning out of control 20km south of Narrabri

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails,free app or daily news podcast

A giant out-of-control bushfire has been fuelling dangerous fire-generated thunderstorms as residents in northern New South Wales are told to shelter from the inferno.

The Duck Creek Pilliga forest blaze was burning about 20km south of the town of Narrabri – home to more than 12,000 people – and a similar distance from Boggabri to the east on Tuesday morning.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup