The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has warned that nine different regions are subject to Total Fire Bans today - Sunday 1 October 2023.

This includes much of the area covered by the Western Plains App.

The expected hot, dry and windy weather has been forecast to create an extreme fire danger for much of the state.

The total fire ban applies across the shires of Bogan, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Warren, Warrumbungle and Walgett.

Other shires including Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Lachlan and Narromine are on High Alert.

Other areas of the western plains are urged to exercise extreme caution.

Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 32 and 37 degrees, with winds up to 45 km/hour and shifting throughout the day - from north to northeasterly in the morning, then northwesterly and tending southwesterly in the evening.

In response to the extreme fire conditions the National Parks & Wildlife Service has decided to close all walking tracks, visitor picnic facilities and campgrounds in the Pilliga Forest as well as walking tracks and remote campsites in the Warrumbungle National Park.

Visitors are asked not to enter these areas until at least 9:00am Monday 2 October.

There are still some areas that visitors can access during this time.

The following walking tracks will remain open:

• White Gum Lookout walking track,
• Wambelong nature trail
• Gurianawa circuit

The following campsites will remain open:

• Blackman 
• Walaay
• Wambelong

Please consult the http://nationalparks.nsw.gov.au website for details on all reserve alerts. 

"We apologise for any inconvenience," a National Parks spokesperson said. "You will be notified of any extensions, updates or changes."

Total Fire Ban rules

A total fire ban means no fires out in the open. A total fire ban helps limit the potential of fires developing.

During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.

General purpose hot works (such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame) are not to be done in the open.

The NSW RFS strongly recommends that activities such as such using a tractor or slashing be avoided, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property.

A barbeque or wood fire pizza oven which uses solid fuel, such as wood, charcoal or heat beads, cannot be used outside during a Total Fire Ban.

You can use an electric barbeque for cooking as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating, and no combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating.

You can use a gas barbeque under the following conditions:

• It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;
• No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;
• You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and
• The barbeque is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; or
• The barbeque is within a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest.