The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging land managers and property owners to carefully consider conditions before burning off, with winds up to 70km/h and warmer than average temperatures predicted.

On Wednesday, temperatures are set to reach 17 degrees in Bathurst, with Orange to top 15, Lithgow 16, Mudgee 19, Dubbo 22, Parkes 21 and Forbes 23.

Hundreds of firefighters were responded to dozens of escaped and illegal burns last weekend when landholders lit up in windy conditions, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

There were 48 instances of illegal fire activity reported across the state from August 10-12, this is up on the 38 incidents the previous weekend.

A number of these blazes occurred in the Central Tablelands, 

“It is extremely concerning that so many people lit up and carelessly allowed burns to escape, particularly on a weekend where there were prevailing strong winds and conditions that resulted in three Watch and Act fires threatening homes in the Richmond Valley area,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Escaped fires pose a very real and potentially deadly threat to the public, especially if that escaped burn takes hold and fire authorities are not notified, which is why it is important that landholders notify their local [RFS] fire control centre and their neighbours of their intention to burn.

“Given the prevailing dry conditions, it is also vital that landholders only burn off when it is safe to do so, ensure they have proper and functioning firefighting equipment on hand, make sure they follow the rules and obtain a free fire permit, even if they have been carrying out burns for years.”

Heavy fines apply for the unsafe use of fire or if a fire escapes - landholders who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months jail while escaped fires attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years prison.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said fire investigators would review recent illegal fire and escaped burn incidents to determine if legal action is required

“Don’t be the fire risk to your community, know your obligations if conducting burns and know the costs if you do the wrong thing, but most importantly, if a fire does get out of hand, make sure you report it immediately to triple-0,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.