The operations manager for Canobolas Rural Fire Service (RFS) pointed to high temperatures, low relative humidity and strong winds as the trifecta of trouble his crews are hoping to avoid.

"It is certainly of concern," said Mr Bowden.

"If we get those three things, that is the worst case scenario.

"The only drama for us is if the fire danger in the next couple of days increases, as there is also the potential on Thursday and Friday for some storm activity, which gives us the prospect of ignitions."

Orange is forecast to hit a maximum of 33C on Friday, and 35C on Saturday and Sunday.

Molong is set to peak at 37C on Sunday and 38C on Monday.

Mr Bowden said he hadn't seen as much tall and long dry grass around Orange in 10 years.

"The state of that grass at the moment is probably looking around 60-70cm high, in some cases higher, although there is green underneath because we've had significant rain over December and the early part of January.

"[The green undergrowth means] it won't run as quickly, but the compensating factor for that rapid spread is the sheer bulk of fuel."

Mr Bowden advised people to download the RFS Fires Near Me app and to avoid using machinery that could spark a blaze.

"Using machinery - slashers, ride-on mowers, chainsaws, motorbikes or vehicles - in long grass paddocks on a hot, dry, breezy day is certainly frowned upon and it's not what you should be doing as a responsible community member.

"Machinery runs on internal combustion engines and there can be hot, moving parts - belts and gears and exhausts - and the ability of them to be hitting rocks and creating a spark.

"That's all you need - one spark and we're off."

Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...