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AAP
AAP
National
Alex Mitchell

Major scare as grassfire threatens homes, sparks alert

Multiple crews and fire units have contained a grassfire that approached homes near Sydney. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Firefighters have contained a significant blaze that threatened homes in Sydney's southwest after strong winds blew it out of control.

The grassfire, reported about 2pm, burned in the Edmonson Park and Horningsea Park area and sparked an emergency warning it was too late for residents to leave, before it was brought under control.

More than 20 fire trucks, 80 firefighters, bushfire tankers and two helicopters were required to control the blaze which centred at the intersection of Camden Valley Way and Cowpasture Road.

Fire and Rescue NSW and Rural Fire Service crews attended the incident, with FRNSW Superintendent Gregory Wright saying the fire was at the site of an old amusement park.

"Under the strong winds, the fire quickly spread into grass and bushland ... and has been burning towards homes," he said.

"Firefighters quickly surrounded the fire and have been working to contain the fire to a defined area from hard control lines."

Two firefighters reported injuries for battling the blaze, with one suffering smoke inhalation and the other got soot in his eye, but neither were taken to hospital.

Speaking at 4.30pm, Supt Wright encouraged residents to stay inside their homes despite crews having got the upper hand on the fire.

"Yes it's exciting, but for their safety they should stay in their homes and watch from their windows," he said.

"Firefighters have the fire contained, and we are now working on mopping up."

It was one of at least 27 fires reported statewide by the RFS on Wednesday afternoon, as damaging winds hit NSW.

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