Conditions have eased as firefighters continue to monitor a major bushfire that's burned thousands of hectares of national park in the Hunter.
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The Rural Fire Service has issued an updated emergency warning for the bushfire in the Wollemi National Park and Putty State Forest which has burned 6700 hectares.
The alert was downgraded to a watch and act level about 9.30pm on Wednesday, with homes still under threat, but the threat has now eased, the RFS said in a statement on Thursday.
The fire is burning in an easterly direction in the area of Bakers Road and Gibbs Creek Road/Putty Valley Road, Putty under strong westerly winds.
Firefighters have been advising residents in the area and remain at the scene to protect rural properties.
They have warned people to keep monitoring conditions and check their bushfire survival plan.
On Wednesday night, the RFS warned residents on Bakers and Putty Valley roads to take shelter and that it was "too late to leave" as strong westerly winds whipped up the fire.
Severe fire conditions saw the blaze engulf thousands of hectares of bushland while firefighters worked to bring it under control.
Fire danger ratings across NSW's east range were raised from high and very high throughout Thursday.
Australian Associated Press
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 2
FIREFIGHTERS told residents it was too late to leave properties outside Singleton on Wednesday as a bushfire smouldering since late January turned towards them in severe conditions.
Emergency messages were sent about 5pm as the alert level for the Putty fire rose to an emergency warning on Wednesday, the fire burning east towards Bakers Road under strong westerlies.
“People in the vicinity of Bakers Road and Putty Valley Road should take shelter as the fire approaches,” the Rural Fire Service said.
“It is too late to leave.
Severe weather conditions on Wednesday meant spot fires were erupting “well ahead of the main fire”, which has burned more than 1700 hectares.
“Under these conditions fires can be difficult to control,” the Rural Fire Service said.
“These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front [would].”
The Putty fire sparked on January 28 but has been burning through remote country since then.
A second fire was also sweeping through grass near the Golden Highway and Reedy Creek Road at Hollydeen, in Muswellbrook local government area, about 4pm Wednesday.
The Golden Highway was shut as a result. Firefighters said the severe weather conditions could make it difficult to control a blaze.
Residents in that area were urged to put their survival plans into action.
“Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire,” the RFS said in a statement.
“But only stay if you are physically and mentally prepared to do so.”
Separately, a fire on Raymond Terrace Road near Maitland was contained after burning about eight hectares. Live updates are available at rfs.nsw.gov.au