Firefighters successfully contain fast-moving blaze in Hunter region but warnings remain in place

Firefighters across New South Wales were working to contain blazes on Saturday morning after high winds and dust storms swept across the state and fires burned through 1,600 hectares on Friday.

Flights in and out of Sydney airport had also resumed. On Friday, almost 100 flights were cancelled because of 70km/h winds.

More than 100 firefighters set up containment lines around Port Stephens as they monitored the Richardson Road fire near Newcastle. Fanned by high winds on Friday, the fast-moving blaze threatened dozens of homes in the Hunter region, but was successfully contained.

It had been downgraded to “advice” at 7pm on Friday, and no homes and lives were lost.

NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) The remaining pockets of bush continue to burn across the Richardson Rd Fireground. This is likely to continue across the day. This morning the most amount of fire activity is on the northern side of the fireground just east of Pacific Dunes. #NSWRFS #nswfires pic.twitter.com/ygv3bnfrZi

On the weekend, the NSW Rural Fire Service conducted backburning and warned residents that new winds were expected to come in.

“Fresh and gusty west to south westerly winds are expected once again today however not at the strengths experienced over the past 48 hours,” a statement said. “Conditions are easing however you should continue to monitor conditions.”

A very high fire danger warning was in place for the far north coast and greater Hunter regions. High danger warnings were declared in other parts of NSW and the ACT, including all regions along the NSW coast.

NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) Advice: Richardson Rd, Salt Ash Fire. Overnight more than 100 firefighters worked across the fireground as they strengthened and consolidated containment lines. This work will continue today. Further details: https://t.co/ZUvHSuFSAj #NSWRFS #nswfires pic.twitter.com/LX74lgORXu

The easing winds also brought relief to passengers at Sydney airport. Airlines confirmed that conditions had improved, and began clearing the backlog.

Seven Jetstar flights were cancelled on Saturday morning, but the airline was back on schedule by the afternoon, a spokeswoman said.

Dust, snow, wind and fire: massive weather system hits eastern Australia Read more

Virgin Australia organised extra flights and boosted capacity on others after being given the all-clear from Sydney airport.

A statement from Virgin said three new flights had been added and five had been upgraded.

A spokeswoman for Qantas, which also organised extra flights, said a few flights had been cancelled on Saturday, but they were working to fix the delays.

“Our operations team is working to get all customers on their way as soon as possible and we thank them for their understanding,” she said.