“I want to congratulate you for what you have achieved so far,” said Superintendent Troy Porter of the Cudgegong RFS District, which covers the Mid-Western Regional Council.

“We have had a lot of fires during these hot, dry and windy days but, with a few exceptions, they have been caused by natural forces such as lightning rather than by human activity.”

High temperatures, strong winds, low humidity and dried out vegetation provide the perfect conditions for a bush fire. Some days are more dangerous than others, and that’s why the RFS has Fire Danger Ratings to tell you what the risk is and help you know what to do.

“So far this summer we have seen High and Very High Fire Danger Ratings on very hot days but this weekend could be worse,” Superintendent Porter said.

“Temperatures soaring to 42 or 43 degrees may push the Fire Danger Rating to Severe or even Extreme and bring about a Total Fire Ban declaration.”

Bush Fire Danger Ratings are displayed on roadside signs throughout the district, on smart phone weather apps and on the RFS website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au).

The signs use six multicoloured wedges arranged in a half-circle to present the various danger levels, with an indicator showing which one is current.

There is also a place to show a Total Fire Ban.

Here, in a nutshell, is what this means for you:

Total Fire Ban: No fires out in the open. You can still have a gas or electric BBQ as long as it’s operated by an adult, there’s nothing flammable around and you have a nearby supply of water such as a hose. Wood or coal BBQs, no way.

Low-Moderate Fire Danger (green wedge) – Observe normal bush fire safety practices. High Fire Danger (blue wedge) – Bush fires are more likely. Keep across changing conditions and, particularly during the heat of the afternoon, avoid activities that could produce sparks such as mowing or slashing and using angle grinders.

Very High Fire Danger (bright yellow wedge) – Avoid activities that could create sparks. Have a hose that can reach around your house. Review your bush fire survival plan with your family. Keep yourself informed and monitor conditions. Be ready to act if necessary.

Severe Fire Danger (dark yellow wedge) – Leaving early for a lower-risk location, before a fire threatens, is the safest option for your survival. Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety – but only stay if you are physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions. If you're not prepared, leave early in the day.

Extreme Fire Danger (red wedge) – Leaving early is the safest option for your survival. If you are not prepared to the highest level, leave early in the day. Only consider staying if you are prepared to the highest level – such as your home is specially designed, constructed or modified, and situated to withstand a fire, you are well prepared and can actively defend it if a fire starts.

Catastrophic Fire Danger (red-and-black striped wedge): This is as bad as it gets. For your survival, leaving early is the only option. Leave bush fire prone areas the night before or early in the day – do not just wait and see what happens. Decide where you will go, how you will get there and when you will return. Homes are not designed to withstand fires in catastrophic conditions.

“Contact the Cudgegong RFS District on (02) 6372 4434 or visit the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au to get more information about bush fire safety or for help creating your Bush Fire Survival Plan,” Superintendent Porter said.

“To report a bush fire call 000.”