DUBBO was among a host of NSW centres that sweltered in 40 degree-plus temperatures yesterday, prompting the NSW Rural Fire Service to ask farmers in the Orana and other regions to delay harvesting during the hottest and driest part of the day.
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Senior volunteers and staff assessed conditions and recommended farmers cease harvesting in the Dubbo, Narromine and Wellington local government areas.
NSW Rural Fire Service Orana team manager Lyndon Wieland said crews had been responding to an average of three fires a day, of late.
He said with the conditions forecast for yesterday, they did not want anyone to take chances.
"At the airport, for instance, it was 42 degrees," Superintendent Wieland said.
"There's a mix of hot and strong winds and plenty of vegetation around, it's a recipe for disaster.
"That's why we issued the request to cease harvesting.
" We're asking people to be careful on days that are not just extreme but high or very high. Please be careful with slashing, mowing, grinding or welding."
Meanwhile, local crews responded to a blaze in the Apsley area at Wellington on Saturday and sent personnel to help with a fire near Cumnock.
Meanwhile RFS personnel in the Parkes area were called on to tackle a grassfire at Tullamore yesterday.
Ground crews and aircraft worked on the fire, which burnt out more than 400 hectares.
