Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

A new bushfire has broken out in the New South Wales Hunter region, which fire authorities say may threaten properties on Sunday evening.

The ABC reports the fire has broken out near the township of Williamtown.

Fire fighters on the ground are being assisted by some water bombing helicopters, in trying to bring the fire under control.

The blaze is one of 63 fires burning across the state, however showers and cooler temperatures on Monday should provide some relief.

The main focus is on fires at Bungawalbin National Park, south-east of Casino and Killingworth, Lake Macquarie, which is south of Newcastle.

Meanwhile, firefighters have contained a fire that has burnt out five hectares of bush near Lithgow west of Sydney.