NSW will today see one of its worst fire danger days on record with an extreme fire danger status in place for the Riverina.
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Yesterday firefighters were busy patrolling bushfires that had been brought under control at Tumbarumba, Gundagai and Big Springs.
The Ournie fire at Tumbarumba started on Saturday night from lightning and was finally contained yesterday, about 4pm.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews also continued to fight the 900-hectare fire at Oura yesterday, along with a 900-hectare blaze at Naradhan, near Griffith that has been of concern.
The mercury rose to 40 degrees in Wagga yesterday.
Today is the highest alert the Riverina has been put on since the 2009 Gerogery fires which ravaged homes and crops.
North-westerly winds reaching up to 45km/h will create dangerous conditions this morning and the maximum temperature of 41 degrees is expected to come in between 1pm and 3pm.
A close call at Ladysmith saw property owners extinguish a grass fire that had broken out just before 3pm, RFS crews attended but were not required.
All state forests have been closed, meaning no hunting, camping or motorbike riding will be allowed. A fine of up to $2200 will apply.
With a number of fires springing up around Junee on Saturday night farmer Stuart Kanaley said the people in the town were remaining vigilant.
“We were up on the hill most of Saturday night watching it and waiting,” he said.
“Everybody is apprehensive about it (today), I hope everybody is careful.”
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