"We are highly unlikely to see extreme or catastrophic fire warnings through Sydney," he said. "We are expecting a change to move through the state in the afternoon and early evening on New Year's Eve, which may result in no total fire bans for New Year's Day." The creative director of Sydney Harbour's New Year's Eve fireworks, Fortunato Foti, said safety was a top priority and wind was the biggest factor in deciding fireworks displays. "With a system that we use for firing the show, we're able to reduce different types of fireworks, depending on what priority we're given as far as the worst-case scenario, so we're able to dial it down that way," he said. "The show would still continue, but with different elements taken out of it to reduce any risks if necessary – and that's purely on a wind situation." Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would take advice from the RFS. "We are a hopeful, optimistic state," she said. "We are a resilient state. We appreciate that there is a lot of suffering in the community at the moment. "If the RFS, if the experts, say it's safe to have the fireworks continue, well, we should do that. Sydney is one of the first cities in the world welcoming in the new year. If it is safe to do so, we should continue to do it as we have done every other year." Daily fire danger ratings tick over at midnight, meaning the risk of midnight fireworks will largely depend on the New Year's Day danger rating. The final danger rating is expected to be released between 3pm and 4pm on Monday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison echoed the view of Ms Berejiklian. "I think it is important to send a message to the world ... We will keep doing what we do normally." "On New Year's Eve the world looks at Sydney. Every single year. And they look at our vibrancy, they look at our passion, they look at our success, and they all think to themselves, 'What an amazing place!' They are right! And so in the midst of the challenges that we have faced, subject to the safety considerations, I can think of no better time to express to the world just how optimistic and positive we are as a country."

Sydney New Year's Eve head of audience Tanya Goldberg said the City of Sydney was liaising with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Bureau of Meteorology, Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Health. "Safety is our top priority and our paramount concern as we strive to deliver the event as planned," Ms Goldberg said. "Extreme weather requires an appropriate response." "There are of course mixed views, but a lot them have indicated they want to see the fireworks continue." Preparations began 15 months ago for Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations, which generate $130 million for the NSW economy. Ms Goldberg said: "Cancelling would seriously hurt Sydney businesses, particularly in the wake of reports of a weaker retail season, and would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people who have come from across the country and overseas."

Loading Inspector Shepherd said that the New Year's fireworks were something many RFS volunteers looked forward to, particularly after weeks of gruelling work. "There is no doubt that many volunteers will try to take time off with their families and friends and try to relax [on New Year's Eve] because the fires will extend well into the new year, and part of that will include watching the fireworks display," he said. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a top of 35 degrees in the city, 42 degrees at Parramatta and 44 degrees at Penrith on New Year's Eve. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the day. The RFS was talking with other councils and businesses about the danger levels and whether they should consider postponing their fireworks displays planned for earlier in the evening.

Loading But he said fireworks displays at Parramatta and Northern Beaches councils as well as Penrith Panthers Leagues Club were also likely to go ahead. Some regional councils near the bushfires have decided to cancel or postpone their pyrotechnic displays, including Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Armidale, Port Macquarie, Berry, Tweed Heads and Huskisson. In a statement, the City of Sydney said the fireworks "are going ahead as planned". Inspector Shepherd warned the public to leave fireworks to the professionals.