Firefighters responded from Fire + Rescue NSW stations at Finley, Moama, Tocumwal, Jerilderie and Zone Command, with assistance from NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Murray Zone firefighters Jerilderie and Edward River Council with water tankers and carts.
Fire + Rescue squads from Corowa and Mulwala were on-call in areas where firefighters had been deployed from, in case of other fires.
The blaze, reported at 12.45am Saturday, gutted three sections of the school’s interconnected building, including the library and rooms used for maths, science, technology, and wood and metal work.
Firefighters from across the district battled strong winds and intense heat to contain the inferno, which threatened to spread further.
Specialist crews, including an aerial unit from Albury and a dog team for post-fire investigations, joined local brigades.
Despite their efforts, heat damage caused roof collapses, making access difficult.
One firefighter was injured during the operation but is recovering well.
Deputy Captain Les Booth described the fire as “the biggest in Deni I have attended,” crediting the combined efforts of emergency services and community members for preventing even greater destruction.
Firefighters and investigators remained on site in shifts until about 9pm Saturday.
Thirty classrooms were impacted by the fire in total, resulting in a mix of online classes and classes at other local education providers for the students.
Police have launched Strike Force Soderblom to investigate the incident, which was confirmed early Monday to be “suspicious”.
By Monday night, two teenager had been charged with aggravated break and enter and destroying property by fire in company.
Both were granted strict conditional bail and will appear before a children’s court on December 10.
16°C