While resources were being thrown at the Cessnock and Port Stephens fire on Saturday evening, a third blaze at Heddon Greta caught authorities off-guard.
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It spread rapidly and homes came under threat, with at least one having a down-pipe damaged.
However by a stroke of luck, an air tanker flew overhead that happened to be on its way to the Lone Pine fire.
“It was able to dump a load of suppressant on the fire,” Rural Fire Service operational officer Paul Best said.
“That was just fortuitous that it was in the right place at the right time. It did a great deal of good to help bring that fire under control.”
Mr Best said building assessment teams were on the ground on Sunday. They expected to finalise the damage toll on Monday.
