A fire at Whittingham that closed the New England Highway in both directions has been downgraded to an advice alert level.
The grass fire broke out about 1.45pm on Tuesday, near the intersection of the New England and Golden highways.
Eleven Rural Fire Service units and two Fire and Rescue crews are in attendance, a NSW RFS spokesman said about 2.25pm.
"The fire is spreading quickly," he said, before the fire's alert level was downgraded from watch and act to advice.
"If anyone is in the path of the fire, it is too late to leave."
Southbound lanes of the New England Highway are closed north of the United service station.
Northbound lanes are closed at Lower Belford.
Crews responded to reports of a large plume of smoke in the area.
Eight fires burning across NSW have an emergency level status.
LIVE BLOG: Latest fire safety information for Newcastle, Maitland
