The hot and windy conditions in the Riverina on Wednesday and Thursday have prompted the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to declare a total fire ban for the entire Riverina.
The severe fire conditions will also have an impact on farmers in the Northern Riverina, with the RFS urging harvesting to be ceased.
Harvesting operations recommenced at midnight, however the RFS warned that future requests to stop harvest are likely to come over the next few days due to fire risk.
The area was under a total fire ban on Wednesday, and conditions in areas such as Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, and Narrandera will move from severe to extreme conditions on Thursday.
Under the total fire ban, no fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended. Gas and electric barbeques may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Fire danger ratings: Thursday, November 19
Northern Riverina: extreme
Southern Riverina: severe
Eastern Riverina: severe
Southern Slopes: high
Lower Central West Plains: high
Know your fire area
Northern Riverina: Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera
Southern Riverina: Berrigan, Conargo, Corowa, Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Murray, Urana, Wakool
Eastern Riverina: Albury, Coolamon, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart
Lower Central West Plains: Bland, Dubbo, Formes, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Weddin, Wellington
Southern Slopes: Boorowa, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Harden, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Young
