Residents near Barnard Rd, Londons Rd, Lodge Rd, Old Maitland Rd, Abermain, Cessnock, Neath, and Weston should continue to monitor the situation and know what they'll do if the fire flares up again. 

UPDATE 3.30PM: Four water-bombing helicopters and more than 50 firefighters are tackling a blaze near the Lovedale Road, about 7km out of Cessnock. 

The fire is burning south east through bush towards the Old Maitland Road, pushed by strong winds.

An RFS spokesperson said they weren’t expecting much relief from weather conditions, with the temperature expected to stay in the high 30s until late this evening. 

The fire remains at a watch and act level, with residents in the area advised to follow their bushfire survival plans and know what they’ll do if a fire threatens them. 

UPDATE 3PM: Rural Fire Service crews are battling a 5 hectare blaze on the Lovedale Road. The fire remains at a watch and act level. 

UPDATE: 2.20PM: A fire is burning at Government Road, Weston. No properties are under threat at this time. 

UPDATE 2.10PM: A fire on the Lovedale Road has been upgraded to a watch and act. Nearby residents are encouraged to keen an eye on changing conditions and be prepared to act. 

1.50PM: Multiple fires have flared up around the Lower Hunter on Thursday afternoon as temperatures hit more than 40 degrees.

According to the Rural Fire Service, multiple crews are on site at a fire burning on the Lovedale Road. 

The RFS said the fire was burning through patches of tea tree and was under control. 

Another fire flared up at about 1.30pm outside of Abermain. 

An RFS spokesperson said that blaze was being tackled by NSW Fire and Rescue, but the RFS had been contacted for assistance.

No properties are under threat at this time, the spokesperson said. 

More to come