Fire ratings are set at severe.

The ban spans a number of council areas across these state.

A total fire ban means no fires out in the open. A total fire ban helps limit the potential of fires developing, a spokesman for NSW Rural Fire Service said.

During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.

No general purpose hot works, such as welding or gas cutting can be done in the open.

The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as such using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property. Under certain conditions, the NSW RFS may issue a Cease Harvest request.

The RFS advises residents to be vigilant.

Keep informed by listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are listed here.