Four fires have sparked in Young and surrounds in the past 24 hours, as the Rural Fire Service announces a harvest safety alert to cease harvest and monitor conditions in the Hilltops and Gundagai-Cootamundra council areas.
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Five Rural Fire Service crews and Fire and Rescue NSW responded to a small grass fire on Moppity Road about 10.15am on Tuesday morning.
The fire burnt about one hectare along the roadside before being brought under control.
RFS say the fire was ignited by the use of a bird scaring air gun.
Also on Tuesday morning, a fire sparked below a power pole at Jugiong.
It was swiftly extinguished by Essential Energy employees while one RFS brigade responded.
Meanwhile, fire burnt through harvest crop and pasture at a property near Tubbul about 5.30pm on Monday afternoon. It was attended by five RFS crews, its cause remains undetermined.
A small grass fire was also extinguished on Monday morning at Burrows Road, Burrangong.
It was started by a lawn mower and required six RFS crews and NSW Fire and Rescue to respond.
This fire had the potential to threaten a residence, according to RFS, however was quickly extinguished.
South West Slopes Rural Fire Service Inspector and Acting District Manager Tom McDevitt reminded residents to be vigilant when operating machinery, and to be aware of total fire bans.
"The fires we're getting are an indication of how dry conditions are. There's no moisture in the fuel, and humidity and wind is dry because we've had not a lot of rainfall," he said.
"People need to be vigilant when undertaking machine operations. Make sure machinery is in sound operating condition, and be aware of your environment. For example, there's a lot of short crops around, a rock strike can spark a fire. Also, anyone welding or grinding needs firefighting equipment.
"And be aware of days that are total fire bans."
Harvest safety alert, 1.10pm
Due to the increased risk of fire in the Hilltops LGA and Cootamundra - Gundagai LGA, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is requesting harvest operators immediately stop and check local weather conditions before deciding whether it is safe to continue harvesting.
Those conducting harvesting are advised to:
- Stop: Stop Harvesting Operations
- Check: Check weather conditions, check the grain harvesting guide, and check your equipment.
- Decide: Only resume operations if safe to do so and regularly reassess the conditions.
Under the current conditions, fires will start easily and spread rapidly. They have the potential to threaten life and property, as well as destroying millions of dollars' worth of crop and equipment.
The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger. Stopping harvesting until weather conditions ease lowers the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage.
For information on Harvest Safety Alerts and the Grain Harvesting Guide visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide
