According to the Rural Fire Service, farmers in the Leeton, Griffith, Carrathool, Hay, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera areas should exercise caution for the remainder this week if they are harvesting.

Inspector Jason Wall 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," he said.

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"These fires have the potential to threaten property and also destroy millions of dollars' worth of crops."

On Wednesday the mercury is predicted to reach 37 degrees in Leeton and 41 on Thursday.

For Griffith, it's slightly hotter on Wednesday with 39 degrees the forecast top, followed by 41 on Thursday.

Inspector Wall said on Wednesday and Thursday, farmers should 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," he said.

"In recent years, a number of substantial fires have been started by farm machinery being used in warm and windy conditions.

"A short period of down time until conditions ease will lower the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage for farmers and their neighbours."

The guide is available for farmers at their local fire control centre and online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/harvesting-guide.

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