Emergency warning for Cessnock bushfire

People near Racecourse Road in Cessnock are being urged to leave or seek shelter as fire fighters battle an out of control bushfire.

An emergency warning has been issued for a fast moving bushfire in the NSW Hunter Valley. (AAP)

An emergency warning has been issued for a fast moving, out of control bushfire in the NSW Hunter Valley.

At 2.05pm on Saturday NSW Rural Fire Service said people near Racecourse Road in Cessnock should leave if the path is clear or seek shelter.

A large air tanker has been deployed to help fire crews on the ground battle the blaze, which is burning on several fronts.