It comes after the Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide was implemented recently, allowing farmers and harvesting operators to determine the fire risk. 

The guide set by NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) follows months of planning and negotiations allowing farmers and harvesters to make an informed decision, at a local level, and determine when it is safe to harvest.

Harvest contractor Rodney Gribble said prior to the voluntary guidelines a NSW RFS could recommend a cease harvest for an entire command, which often covered a large area with varying conditions.

“The problem with an entire command having a cease-fire recommendation is the conditions and risk are entirely different depending on where you are,” Mr Gribble said.

"Now farmers, growers, harvesters and contractors can make an individual decision using the same information and tools as the FRS.

“They know exactly how dangerous it can be, they are not going to take a risk, but now they can take responsibility for their own paddock.”

The guide was developed through a partnership with NSW Farmers and Australian Custom Harvesters after members of the grain industry voiced their concerns over the previous cease harvesting recommendations. 

MIA District NSW RFS Superintendent Kevin Adams urged farmers and machinery operators to follow the guidelines to help minimise the risk of fires.

“Each year, firefighters attend a number of fires on farms which have been started as a result of harvesting operations,” Superintendent Adams said.

“Many of these fires have the potential to destroy homes, crops, and livelihoods.”

Wednesday’s blaze near West Wyalong, which was caused by a harvesting accident, burnt 5500 hectares and saw an estimated $500,000 worth of crops destroyed.

Harvesters and farmers can download the guide at the Rural Fire Service’s website.