Firefighters have saved dozens of homes from a fast-moving bushfire in NSW's Hunter region that was being fanned by erratic winds.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning just after 8pm on Thursday for the blaze as it burnt east of Merleview Street in Belmont, south of Newcastle.
Strong southerly winds pushed the fire towards a number of properties but crews managed to get the upper hand as conditions eased.
"It came right up to the back doorsteps of homes," RFS spokesman James Morris told AAP on Friday.
The alert was downgraded to 'advice' level overnight but residents have been told to monitor the situation as backburning operations continue.
"Residents in the area should still continue to keep an eye out for embers and spot fires," Mr Morris said.
The blaze has already burnt through about 60 hectares but no reports of damage or lost property.
Investigators are yet to determine the cause of the fire.
Australian Associated Press
