The Weston man, 26, was arrested near the scene of the latest blaze after exhausted firefighters and fed-up police raced to the third inferno to be deliberately-lit during extreme weather conditions in Kurri Kurri bushland in less than a week.

And as two dozen brave fire crews – along with the welcome aerial attack from planes and helicopters –arrived again to courageously push back the flames licking at scores of properties, the suspect was driven to Maitland police station and interviewed.

He was charged on Tuesday night with one count of intentionally cause fire and be reckless to its spread in relation to the latest blaze, and was refused bail to appear in court on Wednesday.

Detectives are continuing intense investigations into other nearby arson attacks at Loxford and Chinaman’s Hollow last week, as well as last month’s massive blaze which threatened Abermain.

Resident John Sams, a former firefighter with a decade of experience, said Tuesday’s 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 from where the fire reached the edge of bushland across the road.

“Flames were almost as tall as the trees,” Mr Sams said.

“We couldn't do much, just run back here with the hose. We had some wood chips catch alight in the back from ember attack. The ember attacks are pretty bad.

“It was fast moving, high flames, it was right up there. Thank god for the water bombers.

“These people lighting these fires, it's ridiculous. Enough is enough, there’s too much life and property.”

Emergency services were called to Boundary Road and Lang Street in the early afternoon after residents reported the thick plumes of smokes coming from adjacent bushland.

The flames came despite a significant pro-active operation by Central Hunter police and fire crews on Tuesday following concerns firebugs could utilise the 40-degree temperatures and gusty winds to fan a fresh fire.

Helicopters, patrol cars and fire trucks were used to patrol areas suspected of being possible targets for arsonists.

But when another fire emergency struck at Camberwell late on Tuesday morning, resources were rushed to the grass fire between Singleton and Muswellbrook.

Quick work from ground crews and an aerial assault using water and fire retardant was able to save the small township of Camberwell, with only two old sheds lost to the flames.

But as they were mopping up, the Kurri Kurri fire ignited.

Fairfax Media understands the suspect was seen walking behind the Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre as the plumes of smoke rose from the bushland behind him.

A resident followed him and called police before officers arrived and made the arrest.

Operational officer Leanne Bell, of Lower Hunter RFS, said more than 100 RFS volunteers in 13 crews were joined by 10 Fire and Rescue NSW trucks and one from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

They battled the fire as it threatened homes on Boundary Street before it jumped Mulbring Street and headed towards the township of Pelaw Main.

But with fuel loads down because of a recent fire in the area combining with an aerial assault from planes and helicopters returning from Camberwell, the fire was contained to about 33 hectares.

Ground crews conducted backburning operations near the old Pelaw Main Colliery in an attempt to contain the fire before the southerly change was due to hit about 8pm.

Fire crews had done similar blacking out operations at Camberwell after the danger had eased significantly from when the out-of-control grass and bushfire threatened properties.

Inspector Marty Siemsen, of RFS Hunter Valley, said there were unconfirmed reports that two old sheds had been lost in the fire.

The fire, which shut the New England Highway for several hours, was believed to have been sparked by an electrical fault.