As temperatures rise, the Rural Fire Service in New South Wales is urging people to be prepared for a very high risk of bushfires on the first day of summer.
AAP reports temperatures are expected to climb into the high 30s and low 40s in western NSW, western Sydney and the lower Blue Mountains over the weekend.
Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons on Friday said the RFS needed the community to stand with them by being prepared.
"We expect much of the state to have very high fire danger ratings or greater for the first day of summer," he said.
"The forecast weather is a timely reminder that summer is here and people should ensure both their family and their property are prepared."
Mr Fitzsimmons said that firefighters had fought more than 3800 bush and grass fires already this year.
