Farmers around Coolamon, Junee, Lockhart, Urana and Wagga are asked to not continue harvesting until the fire danger eases.

“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous as sparks in dry crops can start fires that can spread very quickly,” the RFS's Riverina zone manager, Superintendent Roger Orr, said.

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

But the stand-down won't just affect the headers crawling across paddocks throughout the region. 

Anyone operating equipment that could spark is asked to put that work off for another time.

“This includes the use of motorised, cutting, grinding and welding equipment in all open areas,” Superintendent Orr said.

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

“The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger. A few hours of down time lowers the risk of fires breaking out, and can prevent a great deal of damage.”

Further to that, the Wagga greyhounds TAB meeting scheduled for Friday has been called off due to the heat and concern for the welfare of the dogs.

The Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina and Southern Slopes are all under a total fire ban for Friday, with a severe fire danger rating. 

Council areas affected include Albury, Berrigan, Boorowa, Conargo, Corowa, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Greater Hume, Gundagai, Harden, Jerilderie, Junee, Murray, Lockhart, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Urana, Young, Wagga and Wakool.

A fire near Narrandera has broken out: http://bit.ly/1sKBzS4