Under total fire bans you can't light incinerators or barbecues that burn solid fuels, however gas or electric barbecues can be used in particular circumstances.
Bert Pippen, coummunity safety officer with the Rural Fire Service, explained to Jill Emberson from 1233 ABC Newcastle Mornings.
"You can have gas or electric barbecues, but they need to be in the charge of a responsible adult and must have a constant water supply," he says.
Such barbecues also need to be within 20m of a house or dwelling, with the ground cleared of all combustible material for two metres around.
They can also be in a picnic area approved by council, National Parks or State Forest.
Today's total fire ban across the Hunter, along with a severe fire danger, comes a week before the official start of the bushfire season.
No fire may be lit in the open, and all fire permits are suspended.
Lighting a fire on a day of total fire ban attracts a fine of up to $5500 and/or 12 months in jail.
Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract maximum fines of $100,000 and up to 14 years jail.
The ban is in place until midnight, with hot and windy conditions expected particularly during this afternoon and maximum temperatures up to 32 degrees.
North-westerly winds of up to 55km/h are forecast, with a strong wind warning for Hunter coastal waters.
"We're expecting the wind conditions to pick up around lunchtime," Bert says.
He advises anyone who spots a fire to call triple-zero, and advises people to download a Bushfire Survival Plan if they haven't already done so.
"If you've got one-street in, one-street out access, the Bushfire Survival Plan may be the document that saves your life," Bert says.
Today's fire ban affects not just the Hunter, but also Sydney and right up the north coast.
High temperatures of up to 33 degrees are forecast for the Hunter again tomorrow, but the winds won't be as strong.
Keep updated on any current fires in your area by listening to your emergency broadcaster, 1233 ABC Newcastle, or checking the RFS website.
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