Emergency alert as bushfire threatens homes north of Newcastle

A fast-moving bushfire with flames “well above tree tops” has flared up again and is threatening homes north of Newcastle. DRAMATIC PICTURES.

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A fast-moving bushfire with flames “well above tree tops” has flared up again and is threatening homes north of Newcastle.

The Salt Ash blaze, which has already torn through more than 1300 hectares of bushland, was last night downgraded to a watch and act but has since been revised to an emergency warning amid wild winds this morning.

RFS crews battle an out-of-control fire near houses along Lemon Tree Passage Rd, in Salt Ash, on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

The forefront confronting the Rural Fire Service at Salt Ash. Picture: Instagram @berowrarfb

Meanwhile, the morning’s wild winds are also wreaking havoc with flights at Sydney Airport.

Domestic and international flights are only able to use one runway, leaving delayed travellers in limbo.

“Due to strong winds, single runway operations are currently in effect,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson said.

Crews protecting houses along Lemon Tree Passage Rd, in Salt Ash, on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

A fire bombing helicopter in the sky's above Lemon Tree Passage Rd, Salt Ash on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

“International and Domestic terminals are experiencing some flight delays. Please contact your airline for more information.”

At Salt Ash, the out-of-control fire is moving towards homes near Rookes Rd, where more than 100 firefighters are positioning themselves to protect properties.

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said just before 7am homes were under threat.

Battling an out-of-control fire near houses along Lemon Tree Passage Rd, in Salt Ash on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

A man stands on the roof of his house as a bushfire approaches, on Lemon Tree Passage Rd in Salt Ash, on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

A fire bombing aircraft over Salt Ash on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

“We’re seeing quite erratic fire behaviour as strong westerly winds push through this heath (or shrub),” he said.

“Heath produces huge flame heights and spot fires are occurring hundreds of metres ahead of the main fire front.

“I have seen flames burning well above tree tops, but that’s not unusual in heath fires.”

The fire is raging out-of-control along Lemon Tree Passage Rd, in Salt Ash, on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

The fire burns through Thursday night at Salt Ash. Picture: Instagram @twayswtseesit

The blaze threatening homes on Thursday.

Lemon Tree Passage Rd is likely to be closed today and will cut off homes on a peninsula that includes the suburbs of Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and Lemon Tree Passage.

This also occurred during a bushfire in the same area in August.

Inspector Shepherd said it was hoped the fire’s intensity would die down once it reached already burnt land.

A man stands on the roof of his house as a bushfire approaches on Lemon Tree Passage Rd, Salt Ash. Picture: AAP

Burnt out bushland along Lemon Tree Passage Road, in Salt Ash, on Friday morning. Picture: AAP

Crews at work early on Friday morning in Salt Ash. Picture: AAP

“We have seen the northern side of the fire increase and it’s increasing towards Rookes Rd,” he said.

“Our advice is to seek shelter. We will shortly have the assistance of aircraft. The fire remains uncontained.”