The NSW Rural Fire Service has brought the start of the fire danger period forward by one month due to unseasonably warm and dry winter conditions, which are expected to continue.

NSW RFS Superintendent Paul Jones said the early start to the fire danger period was a result of the current drought conditions and elevated fire risk being experienced across the state.

He is urging residents across the lower Hunter to complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and if their home is threatened by fire.

Residents should prepare their properties for the fire danger period by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and, where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities.

“While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bush fires can bring to a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise caution when carrying out these activities,” Superintendent Jones said.

“Residents can ask their local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a bush fire hazard reduction certificate.

“With summer conditions becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.

“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.”

The bushfire danger period will run September 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

Fire safety permits are required for open burning activities including pile and hazard reduction burning during this period.

During the Bush Fire Danger Period any person wishing to light a fire in Lake Macquarie and Central Coast local government areas will need a permit.

A fire safety permit can be obtained free of charge from a fire brigade or Fire Control Centre.

Lake Macquarie and Central Coast are serviced by the Lakes Fire Control Centre located in Cameron Park. Phone the centre on (02) 4914 4500.

“Significant penalties apply to those who light fires in the open without a permit, without providing the mandatory notice or for allowing a fire to escape your property,” Superintendent Jones said.

Under the Rural Fires Act 1997, a person who fails to notify authorities before lighting a fire, or lighting afire that is dangerous to building, can face a fine of $1100 or more.

For leaving a fire unattended, a person can face a fine of $2200.

On days of a total fire ban all bushfire hazard reduction certificates are automatically revoked.

To check fire danger ratings visit rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact the Fire Control Centre in your area.