That’s the message from Orana Rural Fire Service manager Superintendent Lyndon Wieland as thick vegetation throughout the western region dries rapidly in hot, dry conditions.

In the last week a fire burnt several hundred acres of stubble in the Narromine area before jumping into an unharvested crop.

Superintendent Wieland said fire risk was escalating

on a daily basis and people could not afford to be complacent.

“There’s been an explosion of vegetation because of the fantastic season and growth is heavier and higher than normal,’’ he said.

“Moisture content is drying out rapidly and cured fuel will allow fire to travel swiftly and carry a lot more heat.

“The Rural Fire Service is urging people on properties and villages to reduce vegetation around sheds and other structures.

“Bushfire survival plans need to be updated and particular care needs to be taken with the use of grinders and welders.

“Any risky work that could result in sparks should not be carried out in the middle of the day.

“Grinding and welding should be restricted to early morning when there is still a bit of moisture in the ground and firefighting equipment should always be positioned close by.’’

Mr Wieland said slashing could start fires and he urged farmers to take care when attempting to control vegetation.

“Some landholders have been forced to cut trails just to move their stock from one paddock to another or to get into yards to provide treatment for flystrike and worm infestation,’’ he said.

“During conditions like this fire can be fierce.’’