The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Southern Border Team is requesting farmers to exercise extreme caution in performing grain harvesting operations today due to the current and forecast weather conditions. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Eastern Riverina which incorporates Albury and Greater Hume shires. This is ahead of the high winds expected later this morning.
A Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide has been developed to assist farmers and contractors to determine if it is safe to continue harvesting operations. By using the guide and assessing weather conditions, farmers and harvesting contractors can assist in helping the limit the potential of starting fires. More information can be obtained by calling the local Fire Control Centre, or by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and searching “Harvest Guide”.
Today’s forecast weather for the Eastern Riverina Weather District is for a max temperature of 33 degrees, winds 45km/h gusting to 70km/h with a humidity of 26%. The Harvesting Guide recommends cessation of harvesting operations when average winds exceed 35km/h.
For more information please call the Riverina Fire Control Centre on 0260 511 511.
