A total fire ban is in force in large parts of New South Wales on New Years Day due to hot and windy conditions.
The ban took effect at 5am (AEDT) on Tuesday and remain in place until midnight.
The bans cover the fire weather areas of Greater Sydney,
AAP reports it includes the Blue Mountains, Gosford, Hawkesbury and Wyong, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, the Greater Hunter, Lower Central West Plains, Central Ranges and Southern Ranges.
A total fire ban means there is a ban on any fires out in the open.
A gas or electric barbecue is allowed only if it is on a residential property within 20 metres of a house or dwelling or is in an approved picnic area.
