Local

Fire danger rises as Riverina braces for volatile bushfire season

Published

2 hours ago

November 4, 2026

A fast-moving grass fire rips through farmland southwest of Temora in November 2025 | Photo: Supplied

A DANGEROUS combination of lush spring growth and predictions of a scorching summer has put Junee and surrounding shires on high alert, with authorities warning of an increased risk of fast-moving grassfires over the coming months.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has officially declared the start of the Bush Fire Danger Period across the Eastern Riverina fire weather district, with restrictions coming into effect in the Coolamon, Junee, Lockhart and Wagga Wagga local government areas on November 1.

The Eastern Riverina was among the last districts in NSW to enter the annual danger period, alongside Albury, Berrigan, Federation, Greater Hume and Snowy Valleys, after restrictions began across much of the state on October 1.

While recent rainfall has provided welcome relief across the region, it has also created a potentially dangerous situation heading into summer.

A wetter-than-average winter, followed by recent spring rain, has encouraged substantial grass and vegetation growth, increasing the amount of fuel available to burn as conditions dry out.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for fast-moving grassfires, which can spread rapidly across paddocks, farmland and roadsides under hot, dry and windy conditions.

Grass/crop fire at Mimosa, southwest of Temora, on Friday, November 28, 2025 | Photo: NSW RFS

The danger was demonstrated just 12 months ago when a ferocious grassfire tore through more than 2,000 hectares of farmland southwest of Temora in November 2025, threatening rural properties.

Fierce westerly winds turned the blaze into a fast-moving emergency, prompting a massive response involving more than 40 NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW trucks, supported by four firefighting aircraft.

The incident served as a stark reminder of how quickly a grassfire can escalate under dangerous conditions, particularly across the Riverina’s vast agricultural landscape.

With another potentially volatile summer approaching, local fire crews are preparing for the season ahead and urging residents, farmers and landholders to take precautions before temperatures soar.

A view of the infamous Jail Break Inn Fire, which devastated the Junee Shire on New Year’s Day in 2006. | Image: Supplied

Prepare now, before it’s too late

Residents are being urged to review their bushfire survival plans and take immediate steps to reduce fire hazards around their properties.

Simple measures such as clearing gutters, removing accumulated leaves and debris, trimming overhanging vegetation and maintaining clear areas around homes could make a critical difference if a fire breaks out.

Farmers and rural landholders are also being reminded to inspect firefighting equipment, maintain firebreaks and ensure machinery is properly serviced before harvest operations.

“Now is the time to maintain your fire breaks around key farm assets like sheds, machinery, fuel and grain storage, and homesteads,” the NSW RFS Riverina Zone said.

With harvesting underway across parts of the region, authorities are also warning of the dangers posed by machinery, welding, grinding and other activities capable of producing sparks.

“Last season we saw significant fire activity from harvesting and hot works used in the open,” the RFS said.

“If you’re harvesting, or working with angle grinders or welders, have adequate fire protection on hand before you start.”

Restrictions on activities including mowing, slashing, welding and grinding can vary depending on fire conditions and applicable declarations.

Landholders are encouraged to check the day’s Fire Danger Rating, Total Fire Ban status and any local restrictions before commencing work.

The Jail Break Inn Fire as it raced towards the Junee township on New Year’s Day in 2006. | Image: Supplied

No permit, no fire

The commencement of the Bush Fire Danger Period means anyone planning to light a fire in the open for pile burning or hazard reduction now requires a fire permit, unless a specific exemption applies.

Permits can be obtained through the NSW RFS website or by contacting the local Fire Control Centre.

Even with a valid permit, landholders must notify neighbouring properties and the relevant fire authority at least 24 hours before lighting a planned burn.

Importantly, a fire permit does not override a Total Fire Ban.

Permits are automatically suspended during Total Fire Bans, and lighting a fire in breach of applicable restrictions can attract substantial penalties.

Cigarette tossers face hefty fines

Motorists and passengers are also being warned against discarding lit cigarette butts from vehicles, with offenders facing fines of up to $5,500.

That maximum penalty doubles to $11,000 during a Total Fire Ban.

For Junee residents, the devastating consequences of a single discarded cigarette need little explanation.

The infamous Jail Break Inn Fire, which tore through Junee Shire on New Year’s Day in 2006, was sparked by a cigarette butt.

The inferno scorched more than 25,000 hectares of farmland, destroyed 10 homes and killed more than 20,000 sheep and cattle.

The Jail Break Inn Fire ripped through more than 25,000 hectares of farmland, destroyed 10 homes and killed more than 20,000 sheep and cattle | Image: Supplied

The Jail Break Inn Fire was fuelled by heavy vegetation growth and fanned by fierce, hot westerly winds. | Image: Supplied

January 1 this year marked the 20th anniversary of the disaster, which remains one of the darkest chapters in the shire’s history.

Members of the public who witness a lit cigarette being thrown from a vehicle can report the incident directly to the NSW RFS.

Reports should include the location, date and time of the incident, vehicle registration details and a description of the vehicle.

Incidents can be reported online or by calling 1800 679 737 and leaving a message for an officer to follow up.

Stay informed

Residents are encouraged to monitor changing conditions throughout the fire season, particularly during periods of extreme heat, strong winds and heightened fire danger.

The NSW RFS provides daily Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Ban declarations and incident information through its website and the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

The app also provides location-based warnings and alerts, allowing residents to stay informed about developing emergencies.

Authorities are reminding everyone that preparation is the best defence against bushfires, and that waiting until flames are approaching may be too late.