NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Total Fire Bans have been declared in the following fire areas:

?Greater Sydney (incl Blue Mountains & Central Coast), ?Upper Central West Plains, ?Lower Central West Plains, Greater Hunter, Southern Slopes, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Eastern Riverina, Central Ranges, Northern Riverina, Southern Ranges, Southern Riverina, Monaro, Far Western, North Western, South Western.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said a Severe fire danger rating will be in place for much of the State, with the Lower Central West Plains experiencing an Extreme fire danger rating.

“We are expecting temperatures to reach well into the 40s in many parts of the State, and that will see the fire danger rise,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Under these conditions, there is the potential for fires to develop and spread quickly, putting life and property at risk, so everyone needs to be prepared.

“That means preparing your home, such as clearing fuel from around your property.

“It also means preparing yourself, by having a Bush Fire Survival Plan, so everyone in your home knows exactly what to do if a fire affects your community”.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said it was important that people living in or travelling through bush fire prone areas knows the current Fire Danger Rating.

“If there is a fire, know what to do, stay up to date and take steps to Prepare, Act, Survive,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Bush Fire Survival Plans, current Fire Danger Ratings and advice on preparation can be found on the RFS website at rfs.nsw.gov.au.