Extreme Fire Weather Forecast

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons warned the hot, dry winds and high temperatures will provide ideal conditions for bush fires.

"The Bureau of Meteorology forecast has indicated the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions will experience Extreme Fire Danger on Thursday" Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"Maximum temperatures are forecast to be up to 10 degrees warmer than average for October, reaching 40 degrees in some areas."

"Strong winds, with gusts at more than 70 kilometres an hour, are expected," he said. "These conditions mean there is potential for the rapid spread of fire."

"We urge the public to be vigilant and report any fire by calling Triple Zero immediately." "The NSW RFS, along with its colleagues at Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife NSW are preparing for these conditions by dedicating resources such as firefighters, tankers and aircraft to these areas," he said.

"A bush fire survival plan is vital in these conditions. With the possibility of Extreme Fire Danger I cannot stress enough the importance of a completed Plan," he said.

"It's also important that residents prepare their property and clear it of fuel such as leaves in gutters and wood piles near buildings".