Police are ramping up investigations into a spate of deliberately lit fires across the Hunter over the last few days.
The latest incident was sparked around 10 o’clock last night in bushland behind Transfield Avenue at Elermore Vale.
The flames scorched about four hectares before the situation was brought under control.
It follows two other suspicious bushfires at Redhead and Killingworth on Friday and Sunday evenings respectively.
Roughly three hectares of scrub was burnt in bushland along the Fernleigh Track just off Redhead Road during the earlier incident, and another four hectares went up in the latter when it ignited on Burkes Fire Trail.
Police have been told a vehicle was seen in the vicinity of the trail just moments before the bushfire ignited.
As inquiries into the circumstances continue anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.