Accused firebug faces court over Kurri Kurri bushfire

A NSW man accused of lighting a bushfire in heatwave conditions, causing homes and businesses to be evacuated, has been refused bail.

Craig Talman Lambkin, 26, appeared in Maitland Local Court this morning charged with intentionally causing a fire and being reckless.

He was arrested on Tuesday as firefighters and water-bombing planes battled the out-of-control fire at Kurri Kurri which was the second blaze in the state's Hunter region that day.

Magistrate John Chicken refused Mr Lambkin bail and the case has been adjourned to February 27.