FIERCE BLAZE COMES TERRIFYINGLY CLOSE TO LAKE MACQUARIE HOMES

Hundreds of Lake Macquarie residents have breathed a sigh of relief, after a fierce blaze came terrifyingly close to homes overnight.

Dozens fled their properties, as firefighters battled through the night to control a raging bushfire which jumped containment lines.

The fire is now under control, but crews remain on scene monitoring the area.