A Total Fire Ban has been declared for large parts of NSW on Sunday, November 30, with authorities warning of Extreme fire danger across the Central Ranges, North Western, Greater Sydney, and Greater Hunter regions.

The ban, which began at midnight, affects dozens of council areas including Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon and Orange in the Central Ranges; Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter in the Greater Hunter; and Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett and Warrumbungle in the North Western region.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) said the decision follows a forecast of hot, dry and windy conditions that could lead to fast-moving and unpredictable fires.

Under Extreme conditions, the RFS warns that people must act early. “These are dangerous fire conditions,” the agency said, urging residents to review their bush fire plans, prepare properties and “go to a safer location well before the fire impacts” if they are not fully prepared.

Travellers are also advised to reconsider routes through bush fire-prone areas.

High fire danger conditions are also expected in some locations, with residents urged to stay alert, make decisions early and avoid bush fire risk areas.

All fire permits are suspended during the ban.

The NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert, and operators are advised to closely monitor conditions. A full list of restrictions and Total Fire Ban maps is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au