UPDATE: Kempsey Heights fire | Photos

The fire was deliberately lit in the thick bush behind the club car park, the second in the same area in two weeks.

The blaze was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

Kempsey Fire and Rescue station commander Tony Hackenberg said because of the conditions, the decision was made to allow the burn to continue.

“We’ve seen two fires in the same area in two weeks. It’s a nuisance block that continues to get lit. And because of the good conditions yesterday, we let it burn to ensure we wont see anymore fires in that area,” he said.

Fire and Rescue couldn’t control burn the block last week due to the weather conditions.

All three of Kempsey Fire and Rescue trucks were at the scene in Tozer St and therefore Mr Hackenberg said a move up of response crews took place.

“When all of our trucks are needed at a fire, we call Port Macquarie Fire and Rescue to send a crew up in case there is a second fire in the town. If we’re all out responding to a call there is no one left at the station, that’s when we move up other crews and call in extra resources,” he said.

“We have to make sure the community is covered at all times.”

Mr Hackenberg said because of the dry conditions, deliberately lit fires are creating problems.

“We already have a busy season and deliberately lit fires are creating an even busier time for us and leading to fatigue. If people are thinking of lighting a fire, they also need to think of the damage it could cause to surrounding areas.”

Fire and rescue also urge everyone to call 000 to report a fire and not the business number as it is not always manned.