A HUGE mountain-top blaze that has closed off bushland on the NSW mid-north coast to walkers has been likened to an ‘erupting volcano’.

Massive flames could be seen bursting from the bush near the peak of the mountain, known as Mount Tomaree, at Shoal Bay last night.

media_camera The bushfire on Mount Tomaree resembles a volcano. Picture: Dave F Brown

media_camera The scene at Shoal Bay last night. Picture: Dave F Brown

Firefighters said the massive blaze began at 5.30pm yesterday and quickly spread, posing a danger to bush walkers but not threatening nearby homes.

Witness Nigel Dique could not believe his eyes when he captured photographs of the blaze last night.

“Tomaree Head started looking like Mount Etna,” he said.

media_camera Mount Tomaree has been closed to bush walkers. Picture: Dave F Brown

media_camera Firefighters are keeping a watching brief on the blaze today. Picture: Dave F Brown

media_camera The massive blaze began at 5.30pm yesterday and quickly spread. Picture: Dave F Brown

Resident Jodie Vucas told the Port Stephen Examiner news of the fire at Shoal Bay was a shock.

“Having been a local in Port Stephens for over 20 years now, I was incredible saddened to learn that our very own Mount Tomaree was in fact on fire this evening,” she said.