AAP


Firefighters have brought a large bushfire that was threatening properties near Newcastle under control.


About 120 firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) backburnt throughout the night to contain the fire, the RFS said.


The fire scorched more than 200 hectares in very high fire danger conditions and was threatening properties in Edgeworth, Barnsley and Argenton.


"Due to the good work of ... firefighters from both FRNSW and RFS no homes were destroyed and the fire has been contained," RFS chief superintendent Bob Murray said in a statement.


"While the fire is now contained, fire crews will remain on scene throughout the day, supported by a water bombing aircraft, to deal with any hot-spots."


Supt Murray also urged people to prepare for the bushfire season, saying there was no room for complacency.


"Everyone should be using this time to prepare their properties, such as clearing their gutters and removing fuel from around their homes," he said.


"All households should have a bushfire survival plan, so residents know what to do, particularly on days of increased fire danger."