Temperatures were close to record-breaking this week, prompting firies to urge locals be fire ready.

With Australia in the grip of an extreme El Nino weather event, heatwaves following August’s heavy local rains and significant grass growth could be the combination for disaster.

The mercury was on a steady climb over the long-weekend to reach 35.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, just 1.3 off the October record. The above 30 temperature trend is expected to continue, drying forest fuels in Shoalhaven’s bushland.

Rural Fire Service Shoalhaven district officer James Morris said fire crews were assessing risk areas and planning for hazard-reduction burns. He said low-lying fuels were still damp, but with more hot days forecast, it could dry quickly to cause a problem.

“With dry winds, hot temperatures and lower than average rainfall expected, there is an increased threat and we are asking everyone to prepare as much as possible,” he said.

The Shoalhaven is an area prone to large fires, as experienced at Deans Gap in early 2013, and is facing above normal fire potential heading into 2016.

Mr Morris said it was important residents kept up to date with fires in the area.

“With Deans Gap we saw, within four hours, all towns south of Basin View cut off to Milton. You need to have plans in place and decide early what you are going to do in the event of a fire.”

Prepare, check and update your Bushfire Survival Plan. For information visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.