Here are some tips on how to use it

An free app for smartphones that provides up to date information on fires in NSW. Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service community liaison officer Terry Burns said the RFS system is live to the app, so all the information is current.

Different coloured diamonds appear on the map depending on what sort of incident has been reported.

Blue diamonds - advice level: there is no immediate danger

Yellow diamonds - watch and act level: there is a heightened level of threat, conditions are changing and you should start taking action

Red diamonds - emergency warning level: the highest level, you may be in danger and should take action immediately

White diamonds are non-bushfire incidents. These may be for smoke sightings or car fires. Clicking on the symbol should provide more information.

Icons appear after calls are received, but may not turn out to be an actual fire. Once fire crews respond and investigate, the icon may disappear or more information will pop up. Mr Burns said if you see any of the symbols near you, you can call the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 679 737 for more information.

Mr Burns encouraged residents to set up Watch Zones on the app, which provide notifications to your phone if any incident arises.

Users can add up to 10 watch zones with a radius of between five and 50 kilometres for each.

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