As temperatures in New South Wales are expected to soar to a blistering 43 degrees today, state officials have announced that a robust team of 600 firefighters is on alert, ready to combat any emerging fires. This proactive stance is crucial as the region braces for the intense heat.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin emphasized the preparedness of the firefighting forces, stating that these 600 firefighters are strategically positioned across the state, poised to respond swiftly to any fire incidents throughout the day. Their readiness ensures a rapid response, crucial in mitigating potential fire outbreaks.

Further bolstering the state’s firefighting capabilities are approximately 50 aircraft, either actively deployed or on standby, ready for immediate action. This aerial fleet includes four heavy helicopters and three large air tankers, with an additional 150 aircraft available for deployment if the situation escalates.

Currently, the NSW Rural Fire Service is managing 44 active fires, with four of these yet to be contained. Among the most concerning is a grass fire at Range Road, Mummel, Goulburn, which remains at a ‘watch and act’ alert level, demanding vigilant monitoring and readiness to act.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is dealing with 44 fires, four of them uncontained.

That includes a grass fire at Range Road, Mummel, Goulburn at watch and act level.

Curtin said that communities need to remain alert to conditions across the state today and minimise travel where they can.

Temperatures hit 27 degrees in some parts of the city as early as 5.30am.

Sydney Airport peaked at around 42 degrees, with Penrith similar.

But the hottest was 43 degrees at Sydney Olympic Park in, Homebush, one degree short of an all time record.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has alerted people to stay vigilant as Sydney’s heatwave comes to a head today.

“We do lose people on these incredibly hot days,” Minns said.

“People die as a result of extreme heat in Australia and we need to make sure that people are taking the kind of precautions that will keep them alive during a very hot day like the one we’re seeing.”

The premier also said that he is “concerned” about the more than 30 music festivals taking place today.

“I want to make it very clear that it’s the responsibility of the organisers of those music festivals to provide shade and water for participants and those who are attending the music festivals.”

Minns also said Park Run events and cricket games were cancelled in some parts of the state as a result of the extreme heat.

A cooler change is set to come almost immediately, with temperatures of 26 degrees and rainy conditions forecast to roll in tomorrow.

People heading to waterways to beat the heat are being urged to remain safe after a four-year-old boy died overnight after he was pulled unconscious from a pool on the NSW mid-north coast.