It means no fires can be lit in the open until 11:59pm Wednesday night. Under the total fire ban, all fire permits are suspended. Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.

In Wagga, the temperature is tipped to reach a top of 35 degrees, with light winds becoming north to northwesterly by noon – enough for a “severe” fire rating.

The RFS on Tuesday responded to a small fire near Tarcutta after a power line fell down in an open paddock.

Northern Riverina: extreme

Southern Riverina: severe

Eastern Riverina: severe

Southern Slopes: very high

Lower Central West Plains: high

Northern Riverina: Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera

Southern Riverina: Berrigan, Conargo, Corowa, Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Murray, Urana, Wakool

Eastern Riverina: Albury, Coolamon, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart

Lower Central West Plains: Bland, Dubbo, Formes, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Weddin, Wellington

Southern Slopes: Boorowa, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Harden, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Young