A unit has been destroyed by fire near Cessnock on the first day of winter, with multiple Fire and Rescue NSW crews responding to the blaze.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 349 Kurri Kurri was the first crew on scene to find the unit well alight, just a short distance from the station.

Despite firefighters being unable to save the unit, crews successfully stopped the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, with nearby units escaping any water or smoke damage.

Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 344 Kearsley, Station 202 Abermain and Station 374 Maitland also attended, with crews working in breathing apparatus to bring the blaze under control.

Hunter Valley Police District, NSW Ambulance and Ausgrid workers also remained on scene assisting emergency crews and helping keep the area safe.

Firefighters are again reminding residents to check their smoke alarms, with authorities stressing that smoke alarms save lives.