Harvesters urged to monitor conditions across the MIA District

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has urged MIA District farmers to closely monitor weather conditions to help prevent the ignition of crop fires during harvest operations.

Operational Officer Justin MacKellar said farmers played an important role in preventing fires from igniting during periods of greater fire risk.

“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as any sparks in dry crops can start fires that spread very quickly,” Operational Officer MacKellar said.

“These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops.”

Operational Officer MacKellar said from Saturday, December 14 to Tuesday, December 17, 2024 farmers should stop harvesting regularly to check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Guide before deciding whether to continue due to the increased risk of fire.

“If conditions fall within the guidelines and harvesting operations are to continue, you should continue to check regularly,” Operational Officer MacKellar said.

“In recent years, a number of substantial fires have been started by farm machinery being used in warm and windy conditions.

“The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger.

“A short period of down time until conditions ease will lower the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage for farmers and their neighbours.”

Grain Harvesting Guides are available for farmers at their local Fire Control Centre and online at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide.

• Topics:

• Agriculture & Farming