The 23-year-old self-confessed firebug learnt on Friday that his actions had cost taxpayers an estimated $1.34 million when he was sentenced to eight years jail in Newcastle District Court.

More than a million dollars was also paid out in insurance claims for property that was damaged or destroyed.  

The former volunteer firefighter lit two blazes near Catherine Hill Bay on September 26 and September 30, 2013.

The second fire flared up again on October 17 and burnt out more than 2,800 hectares. It also destroyed the historic Wallarah House, the jetty master's cottage and the iconic “big prawn” service station. 

Noble, who has been in custody since October 14, 2014, previously pleaded guilty to lighting another 15 fires about the same time as the Catherine Hill Bay fires.

Judge Helen Syme said she did not fully understand Noble’s motivation for lighting fires.

However, she noted that he had told investigating officers that he had lit the fires in order gain experience as a firefighter and therefore increase his employment prospects. 

“This bizarre explanation is the only one I have,” Justice Syme said.

She also noted that Noble, who did not give evidence, had previously said that he had joined the Rural Fire Service in order to gain new skills. 

“He displays symptoms consistent with pyromania, however, this (diagnosis) has not been confirmed,” Justice Syme said. 

Noble will be eligible for parole in October 2020.

Despite describing his prospects for rehabilitation as good, Justice Syme said she could not be certain that he would not light fires in the future.  

Earlier, Noble's defence barrister Rebecca Suters said his actions had been impulsive.

"No accelerant was used, there was no significant pre-planning, and no added fuel was used," she said.

However, Crown prosecutor Brian Costello argued that despite the weather conditions, Noble lit the September 30 fire knowing there was a risk it would spread.

"It was a risk he was willing to take ... 17 times it was a risk he was willing to take."