The state's prison authority is responding to a riot at a Hunter jail, after inmates locked themselves in pods and were reportedly seen lighting fires on the roof.
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It is understood more than a dozen maximum security prisoners at the Shortland Correctional Centre at Cessnock made their dash about lunchtime on Thursday.
A Hunter woman with two family members serving time at Cessnock told the Newcastle Herald she was worried because the riot had broken out in the wing where her son was being held.
She said she had spoken with another family member, who is a prisoner in one of the other Cessnock facilities, about 12.30pm.
"He said it was really bad - he said they were starting fires on the roof and then the phone cut out," said the woman, who asked not to be named.
"He was worried - he's not easily rattled."
It is understood the situation was coming under control about 2.30pm with officers attempting to muster the remaining inmates.
NSW Police referred the Newcastle Herald's questions to NSW Corrective Services.
The prison authority has been contacted for comment.