CREDIT: Facebook/NSW Rural Fire Service

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) issued an Extreme Fire Danger Warning on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions in Australia.

The said warning was issued due to the Bureau of Meteorology's weather forecast for Sydney on Thursday, which is hot and windy, with a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is urging the public to be alert and to prepare ahead of what could possibly be the worst bush fire conditions of the season in Australia.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons warned that "hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast, and there is the potential for some locations to reach Catastrophic if the weather deteriorates beyond what is forecast."

"These are dangerous conditions, and it's critical that you understand the risk and make your final preparations now - do not leave it until the last minute,"

"Under these conditions, any fire that starts and takes hold will spread quickly and may threaten homes and lives without warning."

"It is not too late to make a Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you live in or near a bushland area, sit down with your family tonight and ensure everyone knows what they will do if there is a fire."

"The NSW RFS is liaising closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor conditions."

"The Bureau of Meteorology forecast has indicated the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions will experience extreme fire danger on Thursday." said Fitzsimmons.

Total fire bans will reportedly be in force from 12.a.m. of Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013 up to 12 a.m. of Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013 in 15 areas, which are Sydney (including Blue Mountains and Central Coast), Greater Hunter, North Coast, Far North Coast, Far South Coast, Southern Ranges, New England, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, Monaro Alpine, North Western, Northern Riverina, Northern Slopes, Upper Central West Plains and Lower Central West Plains.

An Extreme Fire Danger Warning is the second highest level of bush fire danger rating.

Residents are advised to make a Bush Fire Survival Plan, leave early, especially if their homes are not particularly modified or designed for bush fires, monitor www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, check social media updates, download the Fires Near Me smartphone app, listen to the local radio, call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737, share information with family and friends and report any fires immediately. If there's a fire but there's no fire truck in sight, please call Triple Zero (000).

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