The passage of the Rural Fires Amendment Bill through the NSW Parliament means anyone who deliberately lights a fire, or who lets a fire escape from their property, on a total fire ban day may face a $132,000 fine or seven years' jail, or both.

Other changes have tightened rules about throwing lit cigarettes or matches from moving vehicles, and the RFS is now preparing staff to issue on-the-spot fines of up to $2200 for less serious fire offences.

Illawarra Rural Fire Service superintendent Richard Cotterill said the changes would reduce man-made fire hazards in extreme weather.

"We've seen landowners deliberately flouting laws, lighting fires on total fire ban days that escape control, destroy buildings and kill livestock," he said.

"It is time people took their responsibilities seriously."

Current laws still allow for a $110,000 fine or five years' jail for offenders who light a fire without knowing a total fire ban is in place.

"Even minor fires can cause huge damage," Supt Cotterill said.

On-the-spot fines for burning rubbish, lighting fires without a permit, or leaving fires unattended will soon be handed out by RFS crews.

Supt Cotterill said anyone who spotted a fire should contact triple-0, and anyone seeing dropped cigarette butts could report the activity through the RFS website, rfs.nsw.gov.au.