UPDATE, 2.30pm: Reporter Nick Bielby on the ground at the fire:
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John Sams, a former fire fighter with a decade of experience, said the fire was "up there with the worst" he had seen.
Mr Sams rushed to his friend's Boundary Street home after news of the fire broke, to help her protect the property.
The home was within 15 metres where the fire reached the edge of bush land across the road.
"Flames were almost as tall as the trees. We couldn't do much, just run back here with the hose," he said.
"We had some wood chips catch alight in the back from ember attack."
"It was fast moving, high flames, it was right up there.
"These people lighting these fires, it's ridiculous. Enough is enough."
UPDATE, 1.50pm:
Police have confirmed the man arrested in relation to the Kurri Kurri fire is 30 years old.
Fairfax Media revealed earlier today that the man was being questioned at Maitland police station.
The RFS has posted a video of the battle to control and extinguish the fire.
A late cool change is due in the area on Tuesday, with storms likely.
Barring any lightning strikes igniting new flames, that’s relatively good news compared to the nightmarish conditions that erupted last week.
UPDATE, 1.30pm:
Reporter Nick Bielby said there were a few embers keeping fire crews on their toes at the old colliery at Pelaw Main.
UPDATE, 1pm:
Conditions are easing at Kurri Kurri as firefighters with the assistance of waterbombing aircraft, get the upper hand over the fire.
It’s still listed at Watch and Act level.
The fire is burning in the area of Lang Street in Kurri Kurri.
The bushfire has burnt about 20ha. Property protection is in place, including around the hospital.
UPDATE, 12.40pm:
Police investigating the latest Kurri Kurri blaze have arrested a man.
He is being taken back to Maitland police station for questioning.
UPDATE, 12.30pm:
The Kurri Kurri fire has been upgraded to a Watch and Act alert.
This comes less than a week after huge fires threatened properties in Kurri Kurri last week.
UPDATE, 12.10PM:
The RFS have put out an update:
The fire is burning in the vicinity of Lang Street in Kurri Kurri.
Firefighters are being assisted by waterbombing aircraft.
Residents should take advice from firefighters in the area.
Advice:
Put your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
Residents should take advice from firefighters in the area.
Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
Other Information
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
EARLIER:
A grass fire has broken out in Kurri Kurri on Tuesday morning.
The fire started around 11.30am in bushland off Boundary Street, near Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre.
It is not believed to be a re-ignition of last week’s blazes.
More to come.