WIMMERA harvest will be halted for the second time this week as more hot weather hits the region.
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The Country Fire Authority has declared Thursday a total fire ban day in the Wimmera and Mallee, with fire danger in the Wimmera rated as severe.
It follows a total fire ban day on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 37 degrees for Horsham, 39 degrees for Warracknabeal, 37 degrees for Nhill and 32 degrees for Edenhope.
Although a grain harvest code of practice is still being developed between the Country Fire Authority and the Victorian Farmers Federation, the authority does expect farmers to stop harvest on total fire ban days.
Rupanyup farmer Peter Teasdale said he was expecting to have a break from the paddocks on Thursday.
“We were still able to do a bit on Tuesday when it was hot,” he said
“Harvest is sneaking along for us and we will be finished before we know it.”
“We’ve finished lentils, they went about 0.5 tonnes to the hectare and now we are on barley.”
CFA agency commander Mark Gilmore said it was everyone’s responsibility to be aware of the fire danger rating in their area.
“Any fires that start on Thursday are likely to spread quickly, so people should make sure they stay informed via the various information channels available,” he said.
