New South Wales is experiencing its worst start to a bush fire season in years, with the state bracing for severe conditions today.

Total Fire Bans are in place for seven regions across the state today, including Sydney.

Greater Hunter, North Coast, New England, Northern Slopes, North Western and the Central Ranges areas are also under a Total Fire Ban.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISED HERE?

The Rural Fire Service has advised strong, gusty winds will hit the east coast this afternoon, which could escalate the situation dramatically when combined with high temperatures.

Dangerous fire conditions forecast for many parts of NSW, with high temperatures and strong winds forecast today. At 8:30am, there's 50 bush or grass fires in NSW with 23 not yet contained. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/vIOZRjxKGf — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 25, 2019

Locals are being urged to keep up to date with NSW RFS alerts, and not to take warnings lightly.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the bush fires pose serious threats for a number of areas.

“The risk is real, the risk is here.

“This is no normal fire season, and unfortunately the weather conditions forecast ahead for the coming months are not signalling any significant reprieve,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.