Smoke and dust is likely to cover Lismore today and tomorrow as gusty winds bring them into the city.

A satellite picture from Northern NSW Severe Weather this morning showed the band of dust (over Bundaberg now) which moved through overnight. The smoke was moving eastwards from the fires in Ebor, Drake, Tenterfield and Legume.

NSW Rural Fire Service commenting on the fires at Drake and Tabulum at 7.02pm said that strong winds were expected to continue through the night.

The skyline near Clifford Park, Goonellabah, earlier today. Picture: Jaime Bowler / Facebook

The bush fire burning in the area around Mount Mackenzie Road, Tenterfield, had burnt more than 3,517 hectares and was out of control, the RFS said.

"The Bruxner Highway is currently open but may be affected by smoke," RFS said.

NSW Rural Fire Service: "At 1700hrs today, there are 62 bush and grass fires burning across NSW with 24 uncontained, predominantly in the north of the state."

Julie Lavis posted on Facebook this morning: "This is the view from our back deck in Lismore, facing east, this morning. A combination of dust and bushfire smoke. A pretty effect but so devastating. It's only the beginning of spring. Summer ahead is a scary prospect."

Carson Parkes posted in Lismore What's Happening: "Does anyone in Goonellabah smell and see smoke? I’m located near the Coles and there is so much smoke everywhere and the smell is very overpowering."

There is a total fire ban for the Far North Coast.

This means no open fires anywhere in Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Tweed Heads.