Up to 10 NSW bushfires 'deliberately lit'

Police believe up to ten bushfires that burned through bushland north of Newcastle earlier this year were deliberately lit and potentially linked.

Police believe several bushfires that burned through bushland near Newcastle were deliberately lit. (AAP)

Several fires that ripped through bushland south of Newcastle and attracted fire-fighting resources at the height of NSW's bushfire crisis were deliberately lit, police believe.

Between July 21 and November 5, 10 fires burned through the western side of Lake Macquarie, destroying bushland and attracting significant fire-fighting resources.

On one day in September, fire-fighting aircraft were called in to help extinguish the blaze.

Following fire investigations, police believe all the fires were deliberately lit and potentially linked.

Police are appealing for assistance from anyone with specific knowledge of the fires or who noticed suspicious activity in the area.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.