An out-of-control truck fire has shut part of a major motorway near Newcastle, with residents now being urged to leave if they are not prepared.
Firefighters are battling a blaze on the M1 Pacific Mwy near Cameron Park after a truck caught fire on Thursday afternoon.
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All southbound lanes and one northbound lane of the M1 remain closed at West Wallsend, as of 6.30pm.
Motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area.
A number of fire crews and aircraft are on scene.
The out-of-control bushfire is burning east of the motorway on both sides of O’Donnelltown Rd in the vicinity of Boundary Rd and is burning east towards West Wallsend.
Firefighters warned the blaze is impacting on Boundary Rd and properties in the West Wallsend area are at risk.
“Embers may be blown ahead of the main fire front,” NSW Rural Fire Service said.
“These may start spot fires which may threaten your home earlier than the main fire front.
“If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave now towards Cameron Park.”
Emergency services confirmed the driver of the truck escaped injury.