Grass fires can move three times quicker than bush fires destroying lives with little to no warning.
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That's the warning Riverina firefighters want residents to keep in mind as the region nears the start of the danger season.
The Wagga, Snowy Valleys, Albury, Junee, Berrigan, Coolamon, Lockhart Federation and Greater Hume local government areas will commence their bush fire danger period on November 1.
Riverina Zone RFS operational officer Brad Stewart said that while there is no comparison between the upcoming season and the Black Summer fires in 2019/20, residents should still be prepared.
He said the warmer weather and above-average rainfall mean an increase in the fuel available for fires in the landscape.
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"It's fantastic for farmers to have great crops, but we are likely to have a bumper harvest," Mr Stewart said.
"There is more grain that needs to be recovered, and harvest machines are not necessarily designed to operate in an Australian environment.
"They can generate static electricity and start a fire regardless of how many precautions farmers take."
Mr Stewart encouraged landowners to have a tested fire unit ready to go for fire danger days with water in the tank and have firebreaks in place.
He said they had proven time and time again to slow or even stop a fire which saves crops, machinery, livestock and property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Stewart Alexander from Fire and Rescue NSW said the beginning of the bushfire season was a timely reminder to check smoke alarms.
"We know that smoke alarms save lives, so make sure yours is operational," Superintendent Alexander said.
"Many homes border the bushland and grassland, so it's important that people know the risk and dangers.
"Make sure you are well prepared by removing any combustible material like branches and clear out your gutters."
During the BFDP, anyone wishing to light a fire for pile burning or hazard reduction will require a permit, which is free to obtain from your local Fire Control Centre.
On days of Total Fire Ban, all fire permits are automatically revoked.
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