Update:
Police are investigating whether yesterday’s intense fire near Kurri Kurri was deliberately lit.
The blaze has now burnt through 750ha and is currently being controlled.
Firefighters worked in challenging conditions yesterday to slow the spread of the blaze around Sawyers Gulley Road, Hinds Lane and Old Maitland Road.
Overnight patchy rain on the fire ground also made backburning operations problematic, however crews are continuing to backburn today.
Residents in Sawyers Gully, Bishops Bridge, Loxford, Heddon Greta, Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights are advised to monitor the situation.
6pm, January 18:
A bushfire threat is present around Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Region.
More than 650-hectares of bushland has been destroyed and the Hunter Expressway is closed between John Renshaw Drive and Wine Country Drive.
Reporter Emma Murphy has the details.
