The call to bring the season forward to the beginning of September was made by the NSW RFS who are expecting dryer and hotter conditions to extend the season.

From September 1 until the end of the bush fire danger period, anyone wishing to light a fire in public will require a permit from their local fire station.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s acting director of infrastructure services Daniel Noble urged residents to be prepared.

“We know the risk of fires is higher in dry times, so it becomes even more important for everyone to be vigilant and careful,” Mr Noble said.

“If you have any doubt, contact the Liverpool Range Zone Control Centre and put a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place.”

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Tamworth RFS Superintendent Allyn Purkiss said the danger period requires all fires greater than one metre by one metre require a permit from their local brigade or fire control office.

“The fuel loads look pretty ordinary on the plains, but the fuel loads that are there are super primed and ready to go,” he said.

“It has been so dry that any spark or fire will catch very easily and continue to burn because of the lack of moisture – the forests in our region are well primed to go.”

NSW RFS member Stephen Prichard said drought conditions were the main factor for the season beginning early.

“With conditions becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire,” Mr Prichard said.

“Anybody wishing to light a fire on their property during the bush fire danger period will require a permit from their local fire station or Fire Control Centre and 24 hours prior to lighting a fire.

“However, even with a permit you need to check whether a total fire ban is in place before lighting any fires; or fire danger rating is very high or above as permits are suspended.”