Extreme fire danger for parts of NSW - prepare now

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast, and there is the potential for some locations to reach Catastrophic if the weather deteriorates beyond what is forecast.

An extreme fire danger is forecast for the following fire weather areas: 

• Sydney (including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast) 
• Greater Hunter 
• Illawarra/Shoalhaven

Total fire bans will be in force in the following 15 areas from midnight tonight to midnight Thursday:

• Sydney (including Blue Mountains and Central Coast)
• Far North Coast
• North Coast
• Greater Hunter
• Far South Coast
• Illawarra/Shoalhaven
• Southern Ranges
• Monaro Alpine
• New England
• Central Ranges
• North Western
• Northern Slopes
• Lower Central West Plains
• Upper Central West Plains
• Northern Riverina

"These are dangerous conditions, and it's critical that you understand the risk and make your final preparations now – do not leave it until the last minute," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"Under these conditions, any fire that starts and takes hold will spread quickly and may threaten homes and lives without warning.

"It is not too late to make a bush fire survival plan. If you live in or near a bushland area, sit down with your family tonight and ensure everyone knows what they will do if there is a fire.

"The NSW RFS is liaising closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor conditions."

Extreme is the second highest level of bush fire danger rating.

If there is a fire which takes hold under these conditions, it may not be safe to stay in any home which is not specially designed or modified for bush fires. The safest option is to leave early.

Key advice for people in bush fire prone areas

Make a bush fire survival plan – it is not too late to do it tonight. Download your plan from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, so you know what you and your family will do if a fire threatens.

If you're in doubt, avoid bush fire prone areas – under these conditions, your safest option is to leave early.

Monitor conditions – stay up to date on the bush fire situation by monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, checking the Fires Near Me smartphone app and social media, listening to local radio or calling the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737. Share information with family and friends to help ensure their safety.

Report any fires immediately – if you see a fire without a fire truck in attendance, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.