Watch and Act now in place for blaze in NSW Hunter Valley

Authorities say firefighters battling two fires in the NSW Hunter Valley are "slowly gaining the upper hand".

The NSW Rural Fire Service says there are currently two fires in the area of Abermain and Neath and a Watch and Act is now in place.

A spokesperson for the NSW Rural Fire Service told 7 News Online that the two fires have partly joined but maintain two separate fire fronts.

The spokesperson said: "conditions are expected to ease throughout the afternoon and evening".

"Both fires have burnt approximately 119 hectares," NSW Rural Fire Service website states.

One front is burning near Forbes Street, moving towards Charles Street at Abermain, located about 8 kilometres east of Cessnock.

The NSW Rural Fire Service says there is also another fire front burning to the north of Carrs Road heading south east towards Carrs Road, Neath, also near Cessnock.

Firefighters in the area are receiving assistance from water dropping aircraft.

"Residents in the areas of Charles Street, York Street, Ridley Street and Carrs Road are advised to monitor conditions," NSW Rural Fire Service states on their website.

The service says Maitland Road is currently closed in both directions at Cessnock.

Other local road closures are also in place throughout the region.

Ausgrid has said emergency crews are on the way to investigate power cut in parts of Abermain, Weston and Neath to about 1,500 homes and businesses.

More to come.