Sydney, Newcastle bushfires downgraded

Homes on Sydney's outskirts are no longer under threat from a small bushfire that had been fanned by erratic winds.

An emergency alert has been issued to homes in South Maroota in Sydney. Source: AAP

A small bushfire that had threatened homes on Sydney's northwest fringe has been brought under control.

Residents in South Maroota were urged to seek shelter in an emergency warning issued about 4.20pm on Saturday.

While strong, gusty, erratic winds fanned the blaze, the associated storm front later brought rain to help firefighters gain the upper hand.

"Firefighters will remain on the fireground into the evening as they work to contain the fire," the Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

Earlier, a watch-and-act warning was issued and the Pacific Highway was closed after a bushfire ignited in Hexham in Newcastle.

The fire passed a retirement village in the area and burned about two hectares before it "basically" ran out of fuel, an RFS spokesman said.