Belmont Station Officer Scott Morgan was first on scene and said: "The fire was incredibly fierce when we arrived on scene. Despite this, my firefighters did not hesitate to enter the burning house to search for occupants. They were quickly joined by crews from Tingira Heights and Charlestown.

"The three crews conducted a search and rescue of the entire premises. Fortunately, no one was inside."

The crews were forced to withdraw from the house due to the intensity of the fire leading to the risk of structural collapse.

In conjunction with arriving crews from Newcastle, Swansea and Cardiff, firefighters then concentrated their efforts on stopping the fire spreading to nearby houses.

Station Officer Morgan praised the fire crews' efforts.

"I cannot speak highly enough of how well the crews performed," he said.

"Only the brave actions of firefighters stopped several adjoining houses from being incinerated, not to mention the heroism of the firefighters who entered the blazing house to search for the occupants. "

Since the onset of cooler conditions there has been a sharp spike in house fires in the Hunter.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to ensure every home has working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan.