A SEVERE fire warning has been issued for the Tweed with a total fire ban in place until the threat passes.

The ban is in place due to a combination of dry vegetation and hot, dry, windy weather.

Here are the rules until the ban is lifted:

• During the ban no fire may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended - this includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood or charcoal.

• You can use an electric barbecue for cooking as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating, and no combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating.

• You can use a gas barbecue under the following conditions: It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, present at all times while it is operating; No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and the barbecue is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; the barbecue is within a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest

• A range of activities may be exempt from Total Fire Bans, such as emergency infrastructure work, bee hive smokers, mining operations, sugar cane harvesting or ceremonial fires.The NSW RFS Commissioner is responsible for exemptions to Total Fire Bans. These exemptions are detailed in the NSW Government Gazette each time a total fire ban is declared.

• Lighting a fire on a day of Total Fire Ban attracts a fine of up to $5500 and/or 12 months gaol. Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract much greater fines and jail terms with maximums at $100,000 and/or 14 years jail.

For more information visit rfs.nsw.gov.au