UPDATE: 8PM
The bushfire at Tomago has been downgraded to ADVICE level.
Fire crews will remain on the ground overnight to monitor the blaze and keep it under control.
The Rural Fire Service's advice to residents is to continue to monitor the situation and have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready in case you need it.
Fire crews may conduct back burning on the fire ground if conditions allow.
All roads are now open.
UPDATE 6:30PM
The bushfire burning at Tomago has now been downgraded to WATCH AND ACT.
Conditions are starting to ease on the fire ground thanks to some light rain, a southerly change is expected to roll through at around 7pm.
The blaze is now nearly 1400 hectares in size and is still burning OUT OF CONTROL.
"There is about 115 fire fighters with the Rural Fire Service assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service along with Fire and ResceunSW and our dedicated fire fighters have been assisted by our water bombing aircraft including our very large air tanker Nancy Bird and our other air tankers as well," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.
Residents on the south eastern side of Raymond Terrace and those in the area of Campvale, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should also continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.
"We advise all residents close to the area of the fire and also right across the state to know your bushfire survival plan, have it made, have it discussed with your family and household so that in the event that a fire does threaten you know exactly wqhat you'll be doing," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.Watch & Act: Masonite Rd fire, Tomago. Conditions have eased across the fireground. Residents on the SE side of Raymond Terrace & in the area of Campvale advised to monitor situation & take advice from firefighters in the area. More information: https://t.co/HhU6p2U20A #NSWRFS— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 13, 2018
UPDATE: 4:30PM
A strong southerly change has now moved across the bushfire. It's now moving in a northerly direction away from Cabbage Tree Road and towards Richardson Road.
Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are being advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
All flights are delayed out of Newcastle airport - the Williamtown airport has closed its airfield to all flights until further notice.
Passengers are being advised to follow the advice of local authorities.
UPDATE 4:15PM
A bushfire continues to burn OUT OF CONTROL on Masonite Road being pushed further outside of containment lines by westerly winds.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close are advised to shelter in place as it is to late to leave.
NSW Rural Fire Service crews are being assisted by NSW Fire and Rescue. Crews are being assisted by the large waterbombing aircraft 'Nancy Bird'.
There are several road closures in place as well which could change at any time. At this stage Cabbage Tree Road is closed between Masonite Road and Nelson Bay Road. For the latest road closures head to: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html
A southerly change is forecast for this afternoon which should help crews on teh ground get the fire under control.
For the latest information on the fire: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me
Advice as of 4:15pm from NSW RFS:
Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should continue to monitor the situation and take advise from firefighters on the ground
Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare for a bush fire in your area.
If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early.
Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
Emergency Warning– Masonite Road, Tomago: Fire burning near Masonite Rd, approx 10km N of Newcastle. Fire moving in E direction towards Newcastle Airport. Sth'ly wind change in area soon. Residents should monitor conditions & take advice from firefighters #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/mny0xRmZcY— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 13, 2018
