A total fire ban is in place across the Hunter, with Friday’s maximum temperatures expected reach well into the 30s.
There’s a ‘Very High’ fire danger rating across the region, and along the New South Wales east coast.
The Rural Fire Service expects conditions to worsen on Saturday with the heat set to stay, and wind speeds rising above 30 kilometres an hour.
They’re encouraging residents to make sure they have their bushfire survival plans ready, and stay up to date with nearby fires on the RFS website.
During the ban, residents can not light or use open fires, which also includes wood-fired ovens.
Any offence attracts an on the spot fine of $2200.
