Firefighters from the north-west region of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) are urging farmers around the district to take extra care when pruning their paddocks around their properties this fire season.

Acting District Manager for the RFS north west region Dez White said the above-average rainfall in recent months has contributed to excess crop and grass growth which, in turn, results in increased fuel loads.

“Combining that with the hot and windy days we’ve had recently, there’s increased potential for grass fires to start very easily and spread very rapidly,” Ms White said.

“Even though we have had some rain, grass fires will still spread, it just means access will be a bit more difficult.”

According to Ms White, there have been a few grass fires across the Western Plains this month, with varying levels of scale, in areas like Coonamble and Nyngan.

She said it was crucial local farmers monitor local conditions and watch for hazard safety alerts, especially during warmer months like February.

“We’re asking everyone to stay up to date by getting the ‘Fires Near Me’ app and set up some watch zones around your property,” she said.

“Review your bushfire and farm survival plans and talk with your family about important decisions and what you’ll do if fire threatens.

“I’m not surprised we haven’t had any yet but it’s the next month or so with the hot weather that is raising our concerns. If we don’t get any more rain, the risk increases.”

One of the main methods of bushfire prevention a landowner can do is having a permitted hazard reduction burn on their property.

Ms White said these don’t come without risk and if done without care, can result in fire spreading outside their control.

“If you are going to light up, then we ask that you watch weather conditions in the forecast and comply with the conditions on your permit,” she said. 

“Severe penalties can apply If the fire escapes from your property. If the fire does escape, it’s essential that people call Triple Zero immediately so emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise any damage.”

According to Ms White, earlier this month a landowner conducting a controlled burn on a property in the Bogan shire requested assistance from the RFS when unfavourable weather conditions blew the fire outside their control.

However she said their combined efforts made sure it remained contained on the property.

"They were very responsible - he did everything right, it's just the wind picked up an ember and didn't help him out," she said.

Under current legislation notification of a permitted burn has to be given to local emergency responders and neighbours 24 hours in advance.

A new statewide instantaneous notification process for permit holders was introduced by the RFS before the current fire season, so notifications can be sent out online by the permit holder.