Dangerous weather conditions with high temperatures and gusty winds saw firefighters using all their available 'tools' to control a grass fire at Camberwell.
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At the height of the blaze the fire was designated as an emergency as it came within metres of several residents and outbuildings.
The fire started around 9:30am on Tuesday on land located between the village and Ashton mine.
Fanned by the strong westerly winds it quickly spread and headed towards houses and sheds with the smoke forcing the closure of the New England Highway in both directions.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) personnel from throughout the local area were supported by the NSW Fire and Rescue and a RFS Strike team from the Maitland area.
In addition air support arrived from Scone to deliver a load of fire retardant material onto the ground.
Fortunately just after midday the firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent any serious property damage.
At the same time as the Camberwell fire was downgraded from emergency to watch and act the call went out that the Kurri Kurri fires had flared up again.
The fire at Camberwell is a timely reminder to everyone of how quickly a small grass fire can spread given the current dry conditions.
Only the arrival of significant rainfall and cooler temperatures will improve the current high bushfire danger posed to communities throughout the region.
