The Yarrabin fire has devastated more than 12 thousand hectares of the Monaro, including much grazing land as well as property, vehicles, fencing and stock, and the Cooma-Monaro community is being called on to dig deep in order to help out those affected.

Anyone who can donate money is being urged to do so into a trust fund that's been set up by the council - the Yarrabin Bushfire Disaster Fund - and that can be done over the counter at the council's chambers.

All money goes to landholders for vital repairs and, in addition, Cooma Associated agents are holding a stock drive for the next sheep sale in two weeks time.

Any farmers who are able to donate an animal or two are being urged to do so, to go into a similar fund to assist those fire affected locals.

Cooma-Monaro Shire Mayor Dean Lynch says that he believes the local community is a supportive one, and now's the time for us all to show it by pitching in.

With Australia Day this weekend, many of us will be having one of the most common of Australia Day traditions, a bbq.

But Fire and Rescue NSW are warning everyone that with recent fires ravaging the state and more hot weather to come, we need to be more careful than ever.

Duty Commander Ray Buchanan says that for gas bbqs, all pipes, fittings and tanks need to be checked thoroughly, and open wood or coal bbqs will be entirely off limits a total fire ban is announced for the day.

Experts are thankful that no-one was seriously injured in the Yarrabin blaze, which is now being monitored as mop up efforts continue.

The fire burned out more than 12 thousand hectares of land over the course of two weeks, and the reported number of stock animals lost is rising, now standing at about two and a half thousand.

Several farm sheds and about 16 vehicles have been destroyed, along with about 200 kilometres of fencing.

One home was lost, but thankfully unoccupied at the time.

Cooma Fire Mitigation Officer, Fred Nicholls, says that they're hoping for rain this week to assist with efforts, but that we all need to remain alert.