Police Seek Man With Mullet After Lake Macquarie Bushfires

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police want to speak to a middle aged man who they believe can assist with their inquiries over three deliberately lit fires last week.

Around 4.40pm on Thursday a fire broke out in the Glenrock State Conservation Area near Burwood Road at Kahibah.

While crews were battling the flames, two other fires ignited beside the Fernleigh Track.

A man was seen standing next to the track watching the firefighting effort.

He's described as being in his 40's of Caucasian appearance, 170 centimetres tall with a solid build and scruffy dark brown hair in a mullet style cut.

The fire in the Glenrock State Conservation Park last Thursday.

Bushfires Threaten Homes At Kahibah And Charlestown

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have saved dozens of homes under threat from bushfires in Lake Macquarie.

A fire broke out during hot and windy conditions in the Glenrock State Conservation Area just after 4.30pm on Thursday.

It came within 130 metres of homes in Burwood Road at Kahibah, with crews able to use the Fernleigh Track as a natural fire break.

It's now list at Advice Level after burning through 3 hectares.

Meanwhile residents in Whitburn Close at Charlestown had a close call when a bushfire which broke out near the inner City Bypass just after 6.00pm quickly spread to their back fences.

Newcastle Fire Command says 10 fire trucks from across Lake Macquarie and Newcastle attended the fire.

It tore through 2 hectares and destroyed a shed before being brought under control.

Firefighters were also called to a bushfire which broke out near industrial lane off Johnson Avenue at Kurri Kurri at about 3.45pm on Thursday.

8 fire trucks attended the blaze, with crews taking 4 hours to extinguish and black out the fire.

A firefighter tackles the flames in the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Picture Merewether Fire & Rescue 

Flames lick at the backyards of homes in Whitburn Close at Charlestown. Picture: Sarah Farley