Cool conditions help quell NSW fires

Cooler conditions and showers across NSW have helped fire authorities grapple with blazes across the state.

Rain eased a fire that threatened homes at Neath near Cessnock on Monday afternoon, after more than 100 NSW Rural firefighters and three aerial water-bombers pushed back flames from properties.

More rain fell overnight in the area, bringing relief to firefighters and enabling them to get the 65-hectare blaze under control.

"There's been quite a lot of rain on the fireground overnight but crews will be on the ground to make sure the fire stays within containment lines," said RFS spokesman Paul Best.

In the south of the state, where a fire is burning out of control across 2900 hectares in the Bega Valley, firefighters also welcomed some rain.

Mr Best said the rain has slowed the fire's movement.

"Today, the main role of firefighters in the Bega Valley will be on the ground to contain the fire," Mr Best said.

No properties have been lost in either location.

Firefighters spent the weekend battling more than 40 blazes in scorching hot conditions, and Mr Best said moderate conditions looked likely to last until Christmas.

He encouraged all affected residents to have a bushfire survival plan ready.