Crackdown on NSW fire bugs

NSW firebugs who deliberately offend on total fire ban days could face seven years' jail or be fined as much as $132,000.

An amendment to the state's Rural Fires Act will allow police and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to bring those who deliberately and recklessly disrespect total fire ban warnings before the courts.

With a predicted difficult bushfire season ahead, Police and Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres says the penalties send a clear message.

"The new laws ensure firebugs will have to face the consequences of their actions," Mr Ayres said in a statement on Thursday.

"It's only right that those who cause this devastation should have the book thrown at them," he said.

Other amendments to the act streamline fire permit requirements and ensure those who throw lit cigarettes, matches or other "fire objects" from a vehicle will be held accountable, not just the registered owner.