In one of the biggest across the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service Zone, aerial firefighting methods were required near Jerilderie.
A fire started at Yooroobla, just east of Jerilderie, on Friday evening and reignited on Sunday.
Mid Murray RFS district officer Gerard James said the fire burnt mostly in crop stubble, but consumed 300 hectares.
He said it required a multi-region response.
“The fire was attended by 10 brigades, both locally and from the Southern Border Rural Fire Service,” Mr James said.
“Aircraft and heavy plant were also deployed to the fire ground.
“Firefighters worked into the night, as many trees were also impacted by fire and were freely burning.”
Mr James said the fire was one of two believed to have been started by headers harvesting grain in less than ideal conditions.
Both are being continually monitored for other further potential to reignite.
The other was near Mokanger and McLaurins Rd at Tuppal.
Igniting on Thursday and burning about 40 hectares, it also reignited on Sunday.
“The fire quickly spread (on Thursday), jumping a road and narrowly missing a neighbouring house and sheds.
“Local crews were supported by RFS crews from Finley, Berrigan and Tocumwal, along with heavy plant from Edward River Council.
“On Sunday, two local brigades attended - Birganbigil and Tuppal.
“The additional area burnt was only smouldering along the edge of a canola crop, with no further damage incurred.”
The Tuppal fire was one of three tackled by district brigades on Thursday, on a day when all permits to burn were suspended due to forecasted high fire danger.
A harvest safety alert was also issued on that day.
The Blighty RFS assisted at a small grass fire in Finley on Thursday.
“The fire at Finley was started by someone fencing, and somehow generated a spark to start the fire,” Mr James said.
“Blighty brigade assisted this fire that was managed by Southern Border.”
Finley RFS Captain Andrew Taylor said a neighbouring farmer also provided assistance.
Closer to Deniliquin on Thursday, a Moonee Swamp Rd pile fire from three months earlier reignited.
Mr James said all fires serve as a reminder for all land managers to monitor the weather conditions while undertaking farming operations.
“Reignition will only happen on our very worst days, such as (Thursday and Sunday) with high winds that equal high fire danger.
“And the Moonee Swamp fire is a reminder for all landholders who have conducted pile burns that contained a lot of timber and coals over the winter to keep an eye on them for reignition.”
• For tips on how to prepare your property for the fire season, turn to the quick guide on page 7 of today’s edition, or go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more detailed advice.
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