The Sydney Morning Herald | Bushfire forces closure of Newcastle Airport amid strong winds The Sydney Morning Herald A large bushfire burning near Newcastle, which forced the city's airport to close and caused residents to shelter in their homes, was downgraded in severity to "watch and act" on Sunday evening. Though the fire had begun to subside with crews "slowly ... Bushfire warning: Homes under threat near Newcastle Airport Bushfire edges close to Perth NSW bushfire emergency warning downgraded for blaze near Newcastle Airport |