The  potential for fire in the coming spring and summer has been highlighted by a blaze along the Shoalhaven River east of Nowra yesterday.

The fire among re-growth erupted on the southern bank of the river near the fishing jetties  at Terrara.

It was fought by local RFS volunteers and there was no property damage.

Locals fear it may have been deliberately lit.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says grass fires could be a major problem between now and the end of the year.

Meantime there is a warning there will be a lot of smoke around the coast today as a large hazard reduction burn is carried out near at Jervis Bay.

The burn will be done by the Rural Fire Service and Department of Defence  contractors near the Jervis Bay Airfield from about 11