NSW Hunter fire downgraded as strong winds ease

A bushfire that threatened dozens of homes north of Newcastle has been downgraded as strong winds that fanned the blaze during the day ease.

Stronger-than-expected winds are whipping up a fast-moving bushfire in the NSW Hunter region. Source: AAP

A bushfire that put dozens of homes at risk in the NSW Hunter has been downgraded with the strong winds that fanned the flames and temporarily grounded airtankers expected to ease.

An emergency warning had been issued after the fire at Campvale flared up just after sunrise and headed towards Rookes Road in Salt Ash.

But by Friday afternoon the blaze had been downgraded to a watch and act as conditions eased in the afternoon.

The fire ran into an area that had previously been burnt in September, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service, who said the blaze was still uncontained on the southern side near Nelson Bay Road.

Two sheds have been destroyed by the fire, while Salt Ash Public School has been forced to close, but it is understood no homes have been lost, according to the RFS.

Salt Ash resident Alex Friggieri has not been able to reach his property since Thursday evening.

"I know someone whose dogs are still stuck at their property and they can't get in. It's not good," he told AAP.

"People on Rookes Road were using pots and pans to try and put the fire out."

Richardson Road, Campvale in Port Stephens where rural firefighters are battling a large bushfire. Source: Rural Fire Service NSW

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was also spotted on the fireground.

Resident Kelly Hufnagl told AAP her Salt Ash property was safe but the winds were "ridiculous" and hampering firefighting efforts.

Pacific Dunes Golf Course general manager Kurt Linde described the winds as "crazy" and praised firefighters for doing an "amazing job".

The Salt Ash BP petrol station has become a base for firefighters, police and the Salvation Army, with some residents also stuck at the station unable to reach their homes, manager Steven Nicholson told AAP.

Four large air tankers are helping battle the blaze - including 'Gaia', the 737 which was used on Thursday in a world-first.

However strong winds of more than 70km/h forced the grounding of several planes for periods in the afternoon. The fire bombing flights resumed before 5pm.

The blaze has burnt through more than 1500 hectares.