Newcastle and Hunter bushfire risk rises to 'extreme' - ABC Local

The Rural Fire Service [RFS] has declared a day of 'extreme fire danger' for the Newcastle and Hunter areas for Thursday.

Extreme fire conditions are expected as temperatures rise to 40 degrees in parts of the state with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting strong winds of up to 70 kmh making for dangerous conditions.

Keep up to date on the situation in your area on the RFS Current Fires webpage, and theABC Emergency website is now mobile and a great source of information on your smart phone.

The RFS warn all residents in bushfire prone areas to have a Bushfire Survival Plan. The RFS reccomend you download their guide to an effective bushfire survival plan , and discuss your plan with your family and neighbours.

1233 ABC Newcastle is your emergency broadcaster and you can stay connected to emergency updates via the 1233 ABC Newcastle live stream , by following @1233Newcastle on Twitter, and by connecting to our Facebook page.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told the RFS website the hot, dry winds and high temperatures will provide ideal conditions for bush fires.

"The Bureau of Meteorology forecast has indicated the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions will experience Extreme Fire Danger on Thursday" Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"Maximum temperatures are forecast to be up to 10 degrees warmer than average for October, reaching 40 degrees in some areas."

"Strong winds, with gusts at more than 70 kilometres an hour, are expected," he said. "These conditions mean there is potential for the rapid spread of fire."

"We urge the public to be vigilant and report any fire by calling Triple Zero immediately."

"The NSW RFS, along with its colleagues at Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife NSW are preparing for these conditions by dedicating resources such as firefighters, tankers and aircraft to these areas," he said.

"A Bush Fire Survival Plan is vital in these conditions. With the possibility of Extreme Fire Danger I cannot stress enough the importance of a completed Plan," he said.

"It's also important that residents prepare their property and clear it of fuel such as leaves in gutters and wood piles near buildings".