New fire permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis following forecasts of an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires by the Bureau of Meteorology in its latest Severe Weather Season Outlook report released this month.

The bushfire danger period was earlier moved forward to August 1 due to extremely dry conditions and a lack of rainfall. Fire permits are required before lighting any fires including hazard reduction burns.

"Fire permits are reviewed constantly as fuel moisture levels are monitored every week and decisions are made based on those factors," said Rural Fire Service Mid Coast district officer Stuart Robb.

"Permits are available and we don't see that changing in the short term.

"Because we have such a large fire district covering from south of Kempsey to north of Bulahdelah the conditions are not identical across the whole fire district. Some areas have received more rain than others and are in better condition.

"We do expect it to be a pretty hard few months going into the Christmas and New Year period as temperatures increase."

BoM head of long-range forecasts Dr Andrew Watkins said dry conditions are likely to have a significant impact in the coming months.

"The Bureau outlook shows we're likely to see more warmer and drier than average conditions," said Dr Watkins.

"The increased odds of warmer than average days, coupled with a very dry landscape and a likely late start to the northern wet season, give a clear indication that we're likely to see more heatwaves than normal.

"It also adds to the potential bushfire risk, particularly when you consider how dry many parts of southern and eastern Australia are at the moment."

The drier than average conditions are due to a record strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which causes drier air than usual over northwest Australia.

"We can't stress to enough members of the public remember to have a bushfire survival plan and have that conversation with their family about what they would do in the event of a fire," added Mr Robb.

"They should stay up to date with the current conditions and make sure they know what the fire danger ratings are each day for their area.

"Make sure they adequately prepare their properties or that they are best prepared for the potential of a fire in the area."

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