Total fire ban declared for Sydney and surrounding regions tomorrow

A total fire ban has been declared for Sydney and surrounding regions tomorrow.

The NSW Rural Fire Service said the ban will begin at midnight and run through tomorrow due to hot and windy conditions.

The ban covers the following areas:

- Greater Sydney region (Very High) – All Sydney Metro Councils, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hawkesbury

- Illawarra/Shoalhaven (Severe) - Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong

- Southern Ranges (Severe) - Queanbeyan-Palerang, Goulburn Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley

- Central Ranges (Severe) - Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid Western, Oberon and Orange

- Southern Slopes (Severe) - Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hilltops and Snowy Valleys

A total fire ban means no fires are to be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

Gas and electric barbeques may be used if certain conditions are met.

The NSW RFS asks residents in these areas to be alert.