BY OLIVIA DILLON
Residents around Old Maitland Road in Cessnock are being told to implement their Bushfire Action Plan now, as an out of control fire burns through bushland in the area.
The blaze, which broke out in the Werakata State Conservation Area at about 9:30am, and has been upgraded to Watch and Act level.
Residents in the area are being urged act now, as the fire burns in a southerly direction towards Old Maitland Road, which is currently closed to traffic.
Residents in the vicinity of Quarry Road, Lavender Street and Tunnel Road, should monitor conditions.
Emilie Koek from the RFS, says leaving early is the safest option.
“The message to those residents along Old Maitland Road is that they should prepare now and act out their Bushfire Survival Plan.
If you don’t have a plan, decide what you’ll do if the situation changes,” she said.