A total fire ban has been declared for Illawarra and the Shoalhaven on Wednesday due to forecast hot, dry and windy conditions.

The Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, North Western and Upper Central West Plains also have a fire ban in place.

The NSW Rural Fire Service said extreme conditions are expected in Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

The NSW RFS provides the following advice under extreme conditions:

• Take action now to protect your life and property.
• These are dangerous fire conditions.
• Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready.
• If a fire starts, take immediate action.
• If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
• Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.

The RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert for areas of heightened risk. Harvest operators should monitor conditions and regularly check that they are operating within guidelines.

No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban.

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

Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are listed at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.