The RFS is reporting a 20 percent increase in fires compared to the same time last year.

Superintendent Kam Baker, RFS District Manager, has warned that the bushfire danger period has started.

“We are currently quite busy,” he said.

“Landholders need to get permits for any burning and we are currently limiting those permits due to a recent increase in fires.”

Superintendent Baker said the dangerous conditions are due to a combination of factors.

"Mainly because of high temperatures and lower humidity," he said.

"There's not a lot of wind associated with this current hot weather event.

“Even though we’ve had some late winter and early spring rain, it’s still not sufficient to ease the fire danger heading into summer.”

It is predicted the Mid North Coast will have an average fire season, but the RFS aren’t taking any chances.

“We’ve done a lot of hazard reduction recently and are on target with our schedule of hazard reduction burns,” Supt Baker said.

The biggest tip Supt Baker gives is for everyone to have a bushfire survival plan in place.

“For home owners it is critical that they have that plan for their household,” he said.

“No one expects there to be a fire at their property, so it’s always best to have a plan in place in case the worst happens.”

For further information on how you can protect your property, or to download a Bush Fire Survival Plan, visit the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au