A bushfire emergency at Belmont has eased with the Rural Fire Service downgrading the blaze to Watch and Act staus.
Strong southerly winds which had been gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour have now dropped back to around 35 kilometres per hour.
More than 30 fire trucks are at the scene with in excess of 100 firefighters providing property protection to homes east of Merleview Street from possible ember attack.
Where possible, backburning will be undertaken in a bid to contain the fire.
The Rural Fire Service says although the situation has eased, residents need to remain vigilant and be aware embers can be blown ahead of the fire and create spot fires in and around your property.
The RFS says residents in the area of Goulding Ave, Railway Crescent, Kalaroo Road, John Darling Ave, John Fisher Rd and Siloam Dr should follow their bush fire survival plan. If your plan is to leave, leave now before the fire threatens.
EARLIER:
An emergency warning has been issued for a large bushfire at Belmont.
Around 80 NSW and RFS firefighters with 20 fire trucks are undertaking property protection at Goulding Avenue, Railway Crescent and Kalaroo Road as well as John Darling Avenue, John Fisher Road and Siloam Drive.
The fire was first reported in Merleview Street at 6.45pm on Thursday and has burnt through 50 hectares.
Newcastle Fire Command says no properties are currently under direct threat from the fire and they have sufficient resources on the ground and more on standby to protect homes from ember attack.
For the latest information go to the NSW RFS website.
2NUR-FM will continue monitoring the situation and will keep listeners informed and up to date on the latest developments.
