FARMERS are urged to cease harvesting activities on Friday, due to a significant increase in fire danger across the Orana region and the rest of the state.
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A total fire ban has been declared for five areas across NSW on Friday, including the Lower Central Western Plains where a severe fire rating has been recorded.
The Lower Central Western Plains includes Bland, Dubbo, Forbes, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Weddin and Wellington.
Other areas with a total fire ban include the Southern Slopes, Easter Riverina, Southern Riverina and Southern Ranges. The remainder of the state will have a very high fire danger.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast increased temperatures and strong winds across most of NSW today and the weekend.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 45 Celsius around the region with winds gusting up to 60 km/h in some areas.
While farmers are not banned from harvesting activities during a total fire ban, NSW Rural Fire Service Orana Region Superintendent Lyndon Wieland said the work undertaken by farmers on days such as these plays an important role in preventing fires from igniting during a period of increased fire risk.
"Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as sparks in dry crops can start fires that can spread very quickly," Superintendent Wieland said.
"These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars worth of crops."
Firefighters across the state have been called to 20 harvest related fires in the past week, including two fires sparked by farm headers in the Mid Lachlan Valley area near Forbes which destroyed 110 hectares of wheat crops.
Superintendent Wieland said farmers in Dubbo, Narromine and Wellington should not harvest until the fire danger eases.
"This includes the use of motorised, cutting, grinding and welding equipment in all open areas.
"In recent years, a number of substantial fires have been started by farm machinery being used in hot, dry conditions.
"The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger. A few hours of down time lowers the risk of fires breaking out, and can prevent a great deal of damage."
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and emergency agencies will do everything they can to keep the community safe but the community also needs to do its part.
"Know what you need to do to prepare yourself, your family and your home before a bushfire and know what each member of your family will do if a fire threatens," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"I urge everyone living in bushfire prone areas to download a free Bush Fire Survival Plan from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and have a conversation with the family about your plan."
Commissioner Fitzsimmons reminded motorists that any driver who throws a lit cigarette faces a $660 fine, which doubles to $1320 during a Total Fire Ban.
During a total fire ban no fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits have been suspended. Gas and electric barbeques may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
