The Rural Fire Service is urging farm workers to remain vigilant about harvest fire risks over the next couple of months. Photo: RFS NSW.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging farm workers in the MIA (Carrathool, Hay, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera and Upper Murrumbidgee LGAs) to be vigilant during harvesting operations, following more than 60 harvest-related fires across the state since the start of October.
RFS Superintendent Scott Connor said that with potential heightened fire danger, the risks associated with using machinery and vehicles around crop, pasture and stubble paddocks were significant.
“Firefighters have responded to a number of crop and machinery fires over the past couple of weeks across the state, so this is a good reminder to take care during this harvest period,” Superintendent Connor said.
“On hot and windy days, fires can be extremely difficult to contain.
“It only takes one spark to set off a serious fire that can quickly spread to adjoining paddocks and properties, potentially destroying valuable crops and farming land.”
Superintendent Connor urged farm workers to be cautious and take proper precautions when using vehicles in vegetated areas.
“Dry grass and vegetation can smoulder or catch alight when in contact with the exhaust system of a vehicle or machine,” Superintendent Connor said.
“Vehicles and machines should be checked at regular intervals throughout the day, and a water source or working fire extinguisher should be carried to suppress any fire outbreaks.
“It is also important that farm workers regularly take the time to clear grass and vegetation from machines and vehicles to reduce the chance of these fuels getting caught in the drivetrain or around the guards and mufflers.
“All machinery and vehicles must have an effective spark arrester fitted to the exhaust system to prevent fires. We also recommend that the drivetrain be cleaned every three hours on days of increased fire danger.”
Landholders and harvesting operators in the MIA are also being reminded to make use of the technology within the Hazards Near Me app to enable them to directly receive notifications, such as harvest safety alerts.
“By setting a watch zone around your property within the app, you can be alerted by a push notification on your phone whenever a harvest safety alert is issued for your local government area,” Superintendent Connor said.
“Fire safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind at this time of year.”
