Total fire ban as warm and windy weather strikes

The Total Fire Ban covers the following fire weather areas:

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

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the Total Fire Ban has been declared due to the onset of higher temperatures and gusty winds.

"The wind is going to be the main concern across a large part of the state, with gusts of around 100 kilometres an hour forecast," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"Under these conditions, any fires which do start have the potential to spread quickly and prove quite challenging for firefighters.

"For this reason, we're asking everyone to take precautions, be aware of their surroundings and report any fires to Triple Zero."

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said that the early onset of warm and windy weather is a reminder about the need to be prepared heading into the fire season.

"The seasonal outlook produced by the Bushfire CRC suggests above average fire conditions across much of NSW, particularly with extensive grass growth.

"Community complacency is a real concern so it's important that everyone prepares themselves, their family and their home."

On a day of Total Fire Ban, there is a ban on any fires out in the open. Full details on Total Fire Ban rules is available here.