Debbie Narel Brereton, 49, of Manyana, appeared yesterday after her arrest on Wednesday night.

Police allege that Brereton, a member of Bendalong Rural Fire Brigade for 18 years, deliberately lit numerous fires in the Manyana, Bendalong and Cunjurong Point areas between September and November.

During this period, Rural Fire Service firefighters responded to more than 40 bushfires in the region.

Police asked for bail to be opposed, arguing that total fire bans were in place at the time and fire conditions were catastrophic.

They said the protection of the community outweighed the right to be at liberty and the maximum penalty for each of Brereton's offences was 14 years.

Brereton's lawyer Mark Douglass said the case against his client was weak and no forensic evidence linked her with the fires.

Mr Douglass said Brereton had no criminal history, a good driving record and there was no evidence of psychological disturbance.

He said if she was refused bail, she would face several months in custody.

Magistrate Joan Baptie set bail at $1000 and placed Brereton under house arrest at her brother's home in Auburn.

Brereton will not be allowed to appear in a public place without her husband or brother and will have to report to Auburn police every day.

She will not be allowed to enter Bendalong or Bendalong Rd.

No pleas were entered and Brereton will appear again in court on December 22.