"While an early fire season is not unusual in these areas, increased grass growth due to recent rain could prove problematic over coming weeks and months," RFS inspector Guy Duckworth said.

"During the bushfire danger period landowners and managers are required to obtain a fire permit from their local fire control centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns," he said.

"I strongly urge people to exercise extreme caution when carrying out these activities as we have all seen the devastation that bushfires can inflict on a community.

"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 and minimise the damage."

Fire permit holders are required to let fire authorities and their neighbours know at least 24 hours before lighting up.

You can notify your intention to burn by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or contacting your local fire control centre.

"Bush and grassfires can strike at any time and it is vitally important for residents and land managers to be prepared.

"This means doing simple things like cleaning your gutters, removing combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and updating and discussing your bush fire survival plan, so you and your family know what you will do in the event of a bushfire.

"Helpful information about preparing and what to do in the event of a fire are contained in the Bush Fire Survival Plan and Farm

Fire Plan guides available on the NSW RFS website.

Information about hazard reduction burning, required notifications and obtaining fire permits is available on the NSW RFS website HERE.

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