Update
FIREFIGHTERS are concerned Saturday's extreme weather conditions could spark re-ignition at the West Wallsend blaze.
Crews spent hours on the ground mopping up, blacking out and water-bombing hot spots on Friday in an effort to protect nearby homes after residents were forced to evacuate with little notice the afternoon before.
Bridge Street resident Tahlia Harris told the Newcastle Herald she barely slept on Thursday night, watching on as flames engulfed bushland just across the road from her home.
"We got home and we were told that it was already too late, and we've got a house full of animals, I couldn't find two of my cats and the police were yelling at us to get out and saying we had three minutes left," she said.
"It was really close, the flames were right there, it happened so quickly - we had just gotten home and they told us to go, they didn't want us to come home and get our animals because it was too late.
"We came and got the dogs and that's it, we didn't sleep."
Another Bridge Street resident, who has lived there for 27 years, said it was the first time they'd ever been told to evacuate.
"We saw there was a truck fire down on the freeway, us and the neighbours were standing out the front watching when the powerlines went up - that was when a big lot of black smoke came up, we thought the truck must have blown up or something," she said.
"We've stayed every other time so it was a bit strange being told to evacuate."
A Total Fire Ban will be in place for the Greater Hunter on Saturday with extreme weather conditions forecast.
NSW RFS incident controller Marty Crabbe said the focus on Friday was to strengthen containment lines and mop up from Thursday's fire at West Wallsend.
"We've had all the crews and aviation assets making sure we've got nothing that's going to start a re-ignition for Saturday," he said.
"Unfortunately tomorrow the conditions will deteriorate, they're back up to extreme.
"There are pockets that haven't burnt and we want to make sure we don't get an ignition in those pockets and allow that fire to run again and get out of the box."
He said most residents had returned to their homes but not all had brought animals back to their properties with the continuing risk.
Crews remain at the scene and Mr Crabbe urged people to stay up to date with fire information on the NSW RFS website.
"We're letting people make up their own mind whether they think it's safe for themselves to return, but anyone in the area with breathing difficulties should probably stay away because there is still a bit of smoke around."
Earlier
THE TIRELESS efforts of firefighters who worked through the night have paid off, with a blaze at West Wallsend brought under control early this morning.
The bush fire between the Pacific Motorway and Boundary Road at West Wallsend, along O'Donnelltown Road, tore through more than 60ha of land before it was able to be contained.
Firefighters remain on the ground today to black out and mop up any hot spots that remain in the wake of the blaze.
A NSW RFS spokesman told the Newcastle Herald the forecast looked much milder today and crews will continue to keep an eye out and put out flare ups where required.
"There's no threat currently and hopefully we can keep it that way, there may be deteriorating conditions tomorrow but at this stage there's no concern," he said.
The spokesman confirmed no homes were lost as a result of the fire and the situation is expected to remain under control unless conditions change.
A statement from West Wallsend High School principal Krystal Bevin on Facebook said she hoped families had stayed safe and well overnight.
"We understand many families have spent the night away from home and may not have the usual school supplies at hand," she said.
"Please know we understand if students are unable to access their usual uniform or resources and will ensure breakfast and lunch are available for anyone who needs it.
"If your family requires any additional support, please don't hesitate to contact us on 4953 2111 so we can assist."
There was a similar statement from West Wallsend Public School principal Vanessa Linstrom who said toast and sandwiches would be available for students in need.
"There is still a lot of smoke in the air, so please ensure asthmatic students are prepared with their medication if they attend school," she said.
Members of the public should keep up to date with the latest information on the NSW RFS website.
An evacuation centre opened at Wallsend Diggers has since closed.
