The bush fire danger period began on October 1 for the local government areas of Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera.

NSW Rural Service Superintendent Kevin Adams said this meant there were rules and regulations about permits during this time.

"During (this period) no permits will be issued for pile burns," he said.

"This means no burning of wood/timber, and doing so is illegal.

"There will be no exceptions.

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"If someone decides to light a pile during the bush fire danger period they may be subject to substantial fines, as well as prison terms of up to 12 months.

"Civil law suits can also be brought against persons responsible for the fire by those seeking compensation for losses sustained.

"While we understand that landholders still want to burn, it is too dangerous at this time of year as piles can continue to smolder for days and weeks on end. Left unsupervised, embers from these piles can spread under hot and windy conditions putting property at risk."

Residents and landholders can still apply for permits to undertake stubble burns and other agricultural fires.

In addition, they can still have small recreational or cooking fires without a permit as long as it is undertaken on private property and a total fire ban has not been declared.

"We have all seen the damage and devastation that fires can cause," Superintendent Adams said.

"There will be a zero tolerance approach to those who decide the rules don't apply to them."

On days of total fire ban all fire permits are automatically revoked and penalties increase for careless and illegal use of fire.

For more information visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

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