Unseasonably hot and dry conditions are being experienced at the start of the grain harvest, with peak fire danger predicted to peak this Thursday.

With a bumper crop in the ground, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging Bogan, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren farmers to closely monitor weather conditions to help prevent the ignition of crop fires during harvest.

Inspector Luke Robinson said there is a hot band of air sitting across the region, which had triggered significant fire warnings. That mixed with the high fuel load in the paddocks means those operating the grain harvest will need to monitor conditions closely. “We’ve had a few days of increased temperatures and winds which have dried out all the grass. The fire danger for this time of the year is out of the norm.”

Urging farmers to be proactive, Inspector Robinson said if there was a fire on-property, farmers/harvest operators should not delay in calling Triple Zero. “It’s always good to have a water supply near-bye so that you can put out small fires. But the most important thing is to report a fire quickly so that we can send help as soon as possible.”

Inspector Robinson said the early start to harvest and the volume of grain expected had added to concerns.“There’s a large fuel load in those paddocks and we’ll need to be proactive.

“Farmers play an important role in preventing fires from igniting during periods of greater fire risk,” he said.

“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as any sparks in dry crops can start fires that spread very quickly.

“These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops.”

Inspector Robinson said throughout this week, farmers should stop harvesting regularly to check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Guide before deciding whether to continue due to the increased risk of fire.

“If conditions fall within the guidelines and harvesting operations are to continue, you should continue to check regularly,” Inspector Robinson said.

“In recent years a number of substantial fires have been started by farm machinery being used in warm and windy conditions.

“The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger.

“A short period of down time until conditions ease will lower the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage for farmers and their neighbours.”

Grain Harvesting Guides are available for farmers at their local Fire Control Centre and online at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide