Bushfire near Edgeworth being treated as Suspicious

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A bushfire burning near Minmi Road at Edgeworth is now within containment lines.

The fire has is being treated as suspicious, started by a car fire on Saturday.

"The car fire is looking like it may have been lit on purpose so fire investigators both from the Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue will work with police to obtain what evidence they can to determine if it was actually malicious and follow up as required," said Superintendent Josh Turner from NSW Fire and Rescue.

At its peak, the fire burnt through more than 150 hectares.

Around 20 Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service stayed on the ground overnight and this morning bringing the fire into containment lines.

"Doing a controlled back burn from containment lines which were put in around Link Road and Minmi Road,"

"Senior officers will inspect the site and get some new information this morning to make further strategies on what should be done today to fully extinguish this fire," said Superintendent Turner.

The fire poured heavy smoke over the area late yesterday afternoon and a westbound lane of the M1 had to be closed.

The fire is listed as being at Advice level by the RFS.

Looking north towards the blaze from Edgeworth.

NSW RFS crews are assisting Fire & Rescue NSW at a fire burning near Link Rd, Edgeworth (Newcastle). Smoke will be visible in the area, however no properties are currently at threat. One lane of Link Road is currently closed. Please monitor conditions in the area. pic.twitter.com/cRWfuburLP

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 28, 2018

Hamilton fire being treated as suspicious

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are appealing for information after a unit fire in Hamilton South over the weekend.

Emergency services were called to a unit block on Fowler Street on Saturday morning at about 6am, following reports of a fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze and a 46-year-old male resident was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor smoke inhalation.

Officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command have launched an investigation as they're treating the fire as suspicious.

Any witnesses who haven't come forward are urged to contact police, and anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Suspicious fire at Rutherford

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Central Hunter Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Rutherford.

Fire crews were called to a two storey Compass Housing complex in Churchill Crescent at 10:30 last night to find a fire in a top storey unit.

The occupant wasn't home at the time, and it took crews about two hours to extinguish and mop up the blaze which caused extensive damage to the single bedroom unit.

Suspicious house fire at Waratah

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Police are continuing to investigate what they believe is a suspicious house fire which tore through a home at Waratah.

The Ada Street property was well alight when emergency crews were called to the home just after 6am yesterday.

Flames tore through the roof of the single storey brick cottage leaving extensive damage to the roof and two rooms of the house.

No-one was home at the time.

Police say the fire appears to have started in the roof cavity.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Abermain Fire 'Watch and Act'

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

NSW Rural Fire Service have labelled the bushfire at Abermain 'Watch and Act' and continue to treat the blaze as suspicious.

Fire activity is thought to be picking up near Lake Road and Neath, and people are advised to monitor changing conditions.

Anthony Clarke from RFS says at this point in time, the fire poses no threat to properties.

"It is burning close to properties at the moment and firefighters are on scene," he said. "They're also being assisted with water bombing aircraft and that includes a very large air tank.

"It is really important that people in the area continue to monitor conditions. You may see an increase in smoke and flames and also be alert to smoke and embers throughout the afternoon."

As investigations continue, Ben Shepherd from RFS urges anyone with information about the cause of the fire to come forward.

He also warns that those who start fires, will be caught.

"Just don't do it. Society doesn't accept it, we don't accept it," he said. "We will find you and ensure that you are brought before the courts."

Fire at Abermain. [Image: Maitland Mercury]