“It’s definitely the most important thing.” Southern Tablelands Zone Manager Peter Alley told the Tribune.

“Having that updated fire equipment, and always having that equipment handy is vital for farmers.”

He said farmers need to be careful when fencing and using tools like angle grinders and equipment like slashers.

“We understand that they need to be used, but we recommend farmers use them early in the morning and not in the heat of a dry day.”

Keeping homes and sheds a significant distance from long grass is also vital.

“Long grass should be at least 50 metres away, no less.

“A lot of things can burn easily in sheds and in homes so that’s vital.”

But Mr Alley said that, most of the time, farmers usually know what they are doing when it comes to fire safety.

“Usually farmers are pretty fire savy.

“It is their livelihood, it’s how they make a living, so usually they don’t like to take any risks and a fairly well prepared for fire season.”