Strong winds fan large grassfire, forcing evacuations in western Sydney

Fire crews have brought a grass fire under control near Penrith in Sydney's west.

Strong winds fanned the blaze at Jamisontown, forcing the evacuation of a nearby swimming centre.

Thick smoke billowed across the M4 this afternoon causing traffic delays from 4pm.

The flames spread quickly through dry grass, encroaching on homes, and were at one stage just metres from a shed.

Firefighters had to work quickly to ensure no homes came under threat.

The flames in the winter night's sky were an ominous warning of a busy bushfire season ahead.