On Thursday afternoon, the Rural Fire Service declared the January 18 fire ban for the Eastern Riverina and Southern Slopes fire region.

Wind gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour, high temperatures and very high to severe fire danger conditions have been forecast for the Eastern Riverina and Southern Slopes.

The ban will take effect across Wagga City, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Albury City, Coolamon Shire, Greater Hume, Junee Shire, Lockhart Shire, Hilltops and Snowy Valleys.

Riverina Highlands RFS urged residents to review their Bushfire Survival Plan. 

“Thunderstorm prediction for Friday. It could turn out to be a very challenging day,” RFS Riverina Highlands posted on Facebook.

“Total Fire Ban expected. temps into the 40's again and wind gusts up to 70 kph in parts as a weak change passes through.”

The RFS rules state that during a Total Fire Ban “no fire may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended”.

Banned fires include “incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood, charcoal or heat beads. 

“No general purpose welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting can be done in the open,” the rules state.

“The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as such using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property.”