Fire breaks out in pool area of Sydney hotel near New Year's Eve revellers

A fire that broke out in the pool area of a large hotel near New Year's Eve crowds at Sydney Harbour has been brought under control.

The blaze started in air conditioning equipment near the Four Seasons Hotel's pool, a NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman said.

An automatic fire alarm went off alerting firefighters to the blaze about 7.40pm on Saturday.

Fifty people were removed from the George Street premises and no one was injured, the spokesman said.

NSW Police has advised people via its Twitter account to "remain calm and obey directions from emergency services".

Photos on social media showed thick smoke billowing out of the building.