Four NSW regions taking in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong are facing total fire bans as the state prepares for a sweltering spring day.
Temperatures in the major east coast centres are forecast to exceed 35C on Friday.
The expected heat and gusty morning winds are enough of a concern to prompt firefighters to implement the first total fire bans since mid-September.
(File: AAP) Source: AAP
Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven and the Southern Ranges are all affected.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning of severe fire danger for the Illawarra and very high danger for much of the rest of the state.
Canberra bushfire
A watch-and-act alert has been issued for an out-of-control bushfire burning southwest of Canberra.
Firefighters are trying to extinguish the 54-hectare bushfire burning at Pierces Creek, 8km from the nearest suburb.
Emergency authorities say the fire, which started just before 6pm on Thursday, is burning erratically and heading in a southeasterly direction.
A fire is burning out of control in southwest Canberra. Source: AAP
Tasmania 'very high' fire danger
Fire danger ratings in Tasmania have hit "very high" level with authorities deciding to stop issuing burn permits and revoking those already given out.
Risky weather has prompted "very high" fire danger ratings in Tasmania, with authorities no longer issuing burn permits and revoking others.
The ratings were expected for Friday and Saturday for parts of the north and south, Tasmania Fire Service said.
"The risk to the community of issuing permits to allow landowners to conduct burns on their property is too great under the expected conditions which include thunderstorms and strong, dry winds," Regional Chief Jeremy Smith said.
People have been urged not to burn piles of vegetation of a cubic metre or less which usually doesn't require a permit, he said.
"In these conditions only one strong gust of wind or nearby lightning strike could pose a risk."
