A TOTAL fire ban is in place today for Perth, the Perth hills, surrounding areas and Mandurah.

This includes the Perth metropolitan area, Perth hills and the neighbouring shires of Chittering, Gingin, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Murray and Waroona, PerthNow reports.

Until 11.59pm today any activity that could start a fire is banned.

This means:

You must not light or use any fires in the open air

All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed

'Hot work' such as metal work, grinding or welding is not allowed unless you have an exemption

You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire.

People who breach the fire ban could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months.

Read more at PerthNow.