A man has died in a fire on the NSW Central Coast while conducting a private burn on his property, police say.
Emergency services were called to an out of control fire at Palm Grove this afternoon and police found the body of a 61-year-old man.
It is believed he had some expertise in firefighting.
The fire is under control but there are approximately eight crews on the scene keeping the flames contained.
Water bombing has been conducted for several hours in the very dry, remote area.
The NSW bushfire season officially begins this Sunday, however authorities say record hot and dry conditions mean volunteers have already responded to more than 2,500 fires this month.
The NSW RFS has asked the community to be vigilant during these dry conditions.
"The indicators are in many places we've had one of the driest and warmed winters in NSW on record," NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
"Fires are starting very easily and spreading very quickly.
"We cannot overstate how dry the conditions are.
"Have that bushfire survival plan, have that conversation — the little things you do now could make all the difference to the survivability of you and your loved ones and your property."
