Operational Officer Col Munro said farmers play an important role in preventing fires from igniting during periods of greater fire risk.
“Using harvesting or farm machinery on days of increased risk can be very dangerous, as any sparks in dry crops can start fires that spread very quickly,” Mr Munro said.
“These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars’ worth of crops.”
Mr Munro said throughout this week, farmers should stop harvesting regularly to check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Guide before deciding whether to continue due to the increased risk of fire.
“If conditions fall within the guidelines and harvesting operations are to continue, you should continue to check regularly.”
Those conducting harvesting are advised to do the follow:
• Stop - Stop harvesting operations.
• Check - Check weather conditions, check the Grain Harvesting Guide, and check your equipment.
• Decide - Only resume operations if safe to do so, and regularly reassess the conditions.
Grain Harvesting Guides are available for farmers at their local Fire Control Centre and online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide.
Second life creates art
Steve King has launched Second Life, an exhibition at the Peppin Heritage Centre which showcases striking pieces made entirely from single-use pallets.
Running until December 14, the display highlights Mr King’s talent for transforming discarded timber into functional and artistic creations, blending sustainability with craftsmanship.
The exhibition, held at 295 George St, Deniliquin, is open to all.
It's offering locals and visitors the chance to see how everyday materials can be reimagined into something extraordinary.
Toc Telstra outage
If you’re on the road over the next week, be aware you may run into some phone service issues.
Telstra will upgrade its Tocumwal mobile base station next week to boost capacity, with temporary service disruptions expected.
The site will be offline from Monday, December 8 to Thursday, December 11, followed by intermittent interruptions on Friday, December 12.
If you’re travelling in the area, your Telstra services may be affected.
Updates are available at telstra.com.au/outages.
New Moama Police Station
Murray River Police District has advised that its new Moama Police Station will be operational from about midday on Wednesday, December 10.
Until then, police will continue to work from the current Moama Police Station located at 29 Maiden St, Moama.
“As we transition to the new site, updates will be made on the official NSW Police internet site and other sites to update with the address and contact numbers for the new police station at its new site,” Chief Inspector Michael Fuller said.
“We will update the community with the new details, and when the new police station site is operational.
“It looks very much finished, but just a few things to do to get it ready and move in.
“If you need to see the police face-to-face, please attend the current station.
“It is still open, and will be until we complete the transition to the new site.”
Cold start to summer
Monday may have been the first day of summer, but it certainly didn’t feel like it.
The final days of November saw wind guts of up to 70km/h, temperatures in the low 20s, and even showers.
Monday didn’t even break the 20℃ mark, with high winds and light rain continuing, however Tuesday saw temperatures improve.
Wednesday welcomed in more of a summer feel, with temperatures cracking 30℃.
However, the wind speed also remained high, making dangerous conditions for fire risk.
It looks like warm conditions will stick around, with temperatures staying in the 30s over the coming days, and a high fire danger warning in place.
17°C