Three young children, police allege, were playing with matches at a property on the New England Highway north of Tenterfield about 11am on Sunday.

Approximately 289 hectares of land was burnt, a holiday cottage destroyed, and a number of cattle killed.

Detective Inspector Matthew Hemsworth said the incident doubles as a timely reminder for parents to discuss match and lighter safety with their children.

"The consequences of kids playing with matches and lighters can be devastating," he said. "It puts people's lives, property, and livelihood at risk.

"Parents have a vital role to play in educating their children about fire safety to help ensure they don't play with fire and potentially injure themselves or others."

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The fire started in the Leechs Gully area north of Tenterfield. Moderate to high winds caused the fire to spread quickly, threatening homes, livestock, and other buildings.

At 3.20pm, the fire crossed Washpool Creek Road, with fears it could cross Mount Lindesay Road, and move east towards the Bruxner Highway.

Rural Fire Service units and air units fought to contain the blaze, which was brought under control some eight hours later.

Officers attached to New England Police District spoke with the three children, aged nine and 10, in the presence of a guardian.

This was the second emergency fire warning in the Tenterfield area in less than a month.

"It's just tinder-dry," mayor Peter Petty said. "The community's living on a knife-edge, waiting for when the next fire's going to start."

He urged parents: "Keep an eye on your kids, and don't play with matches!"

People working outside or welding should have a fire management plan and water in case a spark goes anywhere, he advised.

He recommended that people with damaged infrastructure register with BlazeAid.

For further information about fire safety, read the Fire + Rescue NSW factsheet on children and fire fascination: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=307