The Rural Fire Service was called to a grass fire burning out of control on a property on the Orange Road, some 25kms east of Parkes late Monday morning.
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The property owner was clearing a firebreak with his tractor when sparks ignited long grass.
Despite the farmers’ attempts to extinguish the fire, it quickly spread out of control.
One Rural Fire Service vehicle received substantial damage to the body and paintwork.
Fire fighters, attempting to protect power poles from the approaching fire, parked the vehicle on wet ground and it became bogged.
Troy Parker, Operations Manager Rural Fire Service, said the crew could not see the ground.
“There were wet patches around, but you couldn’t see them due to the very long grass,” he said.
Fire fighters were unable to stop the blaze before it reached the vehicle.
“With one vehicle down, we requested a water bomber which made two runs to help bring the fire under control.”
The 84 year old farmer was taken to hospital with minor burns to his legs and feet.
A hayshed caught fire on a property north of Peak Hill last Saturday night.
A passerby, driving on the Newell Highway, rang 000 to report the blaze that was expected to take a number of days to burn out.
Emergency services were called to the scene.
The fire destroyed the $50,000 shed and $189,000 worth of hay bales (approximately 900 bales).
Forensic Police are waiting for the fire to extinguish before they can investigate the source of ignition.
An accident occurred on the corner of Wellington and Orange Roads at 1pm on Friday.
A Toyota Corona failed to give way and collided with a Ford utility travelling east on the Orange Road.
An 80 year old Parkes man was conveyed to Orange Base Hospital with chest and back pain as a result of the accident.
Police investigations are continuing.
