Bushfires ease after flames threatened NSW properties

Firefighters have regained control of two NSW bushfires that threatened properties.

The alert level for a fire that had been burning near properties at Tanilba Bay, in the Port Stephens area, was downgraded overnight.

Fire crews fought the blaze in yesterday's scorching temperatures and high winds.

Cooler, damper weather today has eased conditions for firefighters.

The temperature hit the forecast maximum of 34C before falling below 20C overnight.

However, the mercury is expected to rise again tomorrow and Monday, increasing the fire risk.

The alert level for a bushfire burning out-of-control in western Sydney yesterday has also been further downgraded.

The fire around Fire Trail Road in Castlereagh, near Penrith, was earlier subject to an emergency warning as it burned near homes.

But last night the alert level was downgraded to advice.

Firefighters were helped by waterbombing aircraft as they tried to bring the blaze under control.

More than 100 rural firefighters joined ground crews throughout yesterday to battle the blaze, assisted by water-bombing planes and helicopters in the air.

The Rural Fire Service had first declared that the fire was under control earlier yesterday, shortly after a cold front swept through Sydney and ended a Spring heatwave.

While conditions are eased around the blaze last night, authorities have warned that a combination of hot weather expected to come tomorrow and the dry, grassy environment could see the fire spark back up.