Tougher penalties for firebugs are being welcomed in the Hunter, with the region's history of devastating bushfires - some deliberately lit.
Attorney General Mark Speakman has increased the penalty for starting a bushfire on purpose - it now sits at a maximum 21 years imprisonment, increased from 14.
The state's Sentencing Council is also being asked to review current non-parole periods and other arson offences under the Crimes Act 1900.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said he's been pushing for the change for some time.
"Cessnock suffered some pretty serious fires and risk to the township back in November 2016, from that point I started lobbying the Attorney General and the Premier to increase the penalties...so it's great they've come to the table," he said.
Meanwhile, with temperatures climbing into the mid to high 30s in Newcastle, Maitland and the Upper Hunter today, the Rural Fire Service has issued a total fire ban.
No fires may be lit and all fire permits are suspended, however gas or electric barbecues may be used carefully.
It's set to be hot all weekend, with scattered showers rolling in on Sunday.
