Under an "extreme" fire danger, the Rural Fire Service advises that any bushfire which starts has the potential to cause loss of life and destroy many homes.
The RFS urges Hunter residents to check their Bushfire Survival Plan, monitor the fire and weather situation through their website, the Bureau of Meteorology website or by listening to your local emergency broadcaster, 1233 ABC Newcastle.
If you live in an area under extreme fire danger you should leave early in the day if that's your plan, and only stay if your home is specifically designed to withstand fire and you can actively defend it.
You need to prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property, and if in doubt, leave.
If you see a fire you should call triple-zero immediately to report it.
The lighting of all fires is banned throughout the Greater Hunter until midnight tonight.
The Total Fire Ban is in place across much of the State, including Sydney, the Central Coast and north coast.
There is a severe weather warning for damaging winds in the Hunter, averaging around 65km/h with gusts up to 100km/h in some areas.
There is also a gale warning for Hunter coastal waters.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 34 degrees in parts of the region.
Lighting a fire during a Total Fire Ban attracts fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months jail.
Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract fines of up to $100,000 and/or 14 years jail.
Electric barbecues are permitted, and gas barbecues can be lit as long as they're under the control of a responsible adult and not left unattended, with a continous supply of water available.
The barbecue must be within 20m of a home, with combustible material cleared from 2m around it.
1233 will provide updates on the fire and weather situation throughout the afternoon on our Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well as live on air and our website, abc.net.au/newcastle.
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