The threat level of an out-of-control bushfire near a retirement village on the state’s South Coast has been downgraded after water bombing aircraft helped douse its flames.

Residents in Worrowing Heights near Jervis Bay had previously been told it was too late to leave their homes after the fire was classified as being out of control about 2pm on Sunday.

“Seek shelter now inside a solid structure such as a house,” the NSW Rural Fire Service had said.

Shortly after 8pm on Sunday, after a large air tanker had helped reduce the size of the blaze, the fire was downgraded from an emergency warning to “watch and act” status.

The fire has burnt more than 37 hectares and is yet to be controlled.

It was burning north of Sanctuary Point, south of The Wool Road along Larmer Avenue.

Firefighter

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