Crews contain Borambola blaze ahead of extreme fire weather

A FAST-MOVING grass fire ripped through nearly 800 hectares of farmland at Borambola, east of Wagga, on Thursday afternoon, just one day before extreme fire weather was expected to hit the region. 

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze just after 4.30pm, arriving to find a rapidly developing situation with flames chewing through dry paddocks between McGeochs South Road and Mates Gully Road.

Driven by gusty winds and fully cured grass, the fire escalated quickly.

By 5.15pm, it had grown to more than 550 hectares, jumped Martins Road, and was fast approaching Mates Gully Road, prompting the NSW Rural Fire Service to issue a Watch and Act alert for nearby residents.

A fleet of NSW RFS trucks and multiple water-bombing and fire-retardant aircraft were deployed to halt the fire’s spread.

Aerial operations helped slow the fire’s south-eastern run, allowing firefighters to anchor containment lines and prevent the blaze from reaching Mates Gully Road.

By 6.30pm, the alert level was downgraded to Advice as conditions eased and the immediate threat reduced.

“Conditions across the fireground have eased and the threat to properties has reduced,” the NSW RFS said.

“Some trees in the area remain alight, and firefighters will work to fully extinguish them before tomorrow’s deteriorating conditions.”

RFS fireground mapping highlighting the size of the Borambola | Photo: NSW RFS

Crews were expected to remain on scene into the evening to black out hotspots and strengthen containment lines in preparation for a volatile 24 hours ahead.

Residents in the area are advised to monitor the situation through the Hazards Near Me app or RFS website, in case the situation changes.

CREWS HALT FIRE AT OAKLANDS

The Borambola blaze broke out just as RFS crews had gained the upper hand of a separate crop and grass fire near Oaklands, approximately 105km northwest of Albury.

The fire broke out around Maxwelton Road shortly before 2pm and burnt through more than 1,100 hectares as it spread rapidly towards the southeast.

Dozens of firefighters, assisted by multiple aircraft, worked through the afternoon to half the spread of the fire and bring the blaze under control.

A watch and act alert issued during the height of the fire was downgraded to advice shortly before 4pm.

“Those in the area of Oaklands should monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes,” the NSW RFS said.

Ground crews were expected to remain on the fireground overnight, working to strengthen containment lines ahead of worsening weather conditions.

Aerial photo of the Oaklands fire on Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Photo: NSW RFS

EXTREME FIRE DANGER ON THE WAY

Thursday’s fires comes as the Riverina braces for extreme fire danger conditions on Friday, with temperatures forecast to climb towards 40°C, humidity to plummet, and hot, dry westerly winds expected.

Under these conditions, the RFS warns that fires can start easily, spread rapidly and become uncontrollable, especially in landscapes already cured and primed to burn.

As a result, a total fire ban has been declared for the Eastern and Southern Riverina, including Wagga, Junee, Coolamon, Lockhart and Albury.

Residents are urged to review their bushfire survival plans, and remain vigilant as conditions deteriorate.

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It’s important that you and your family know what you’ll do if threatened by fire.

• For information on how to create a bushfire survival plan, click here.
• To stay up to date with the latest fire information, download and monitor the Hazards Near Me app on your smartphone, or visit the RFS website.
• To check the Fire Danger Rating for your area, click here.
• For the latest weather update and warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website.
• For up to date information on road closures, visit Live Traffic NSW at livetraffic.com.au.
• For local road closures, check with your local council.

REMEMBER: Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000) immediately.