A fast-moving fire at Stockinbingal has burnt out 200 hectares of country, running through once-flourishing cereal crops.
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The fire broke out mid-morning, on Friday, November 27 on Yeo Yeo Hampstead Road, Stockinbingal with Andrew Dillon of Rural Fire Service Headquarters in Harden saying the cause appearing to be harvest operations.
Local pilot, Scott Adams of Col Adams Aerial Services, was first over the fire, dropping two loads of water before standing down.
Further air support contracted by the Rural Fire Service, including a helicopter from Cootamundra and a fixed wing aircraft from Cowra took up the fight from the air as crews from across the Cootamundra and Young Shires fought the blaze from the ground.
As the fire moved in a northerly direction, away from the village, firefighters battled to bring it under control.
It was brought under control by 2.30pm, when a grader was used around the edge of the fireground to strengthen containment.
“A great effort by firefighters to pull the fire up as they did,” Inspector Dillon said.
Cease harvest recommendations were issued before noon yesterday with early afternoon winds reaching 33 kilomtres an hour ahead of predicted thunderstorm activity.
