Firefighters have successfully contained and extinguished a grass fire that broke out at the Croom Regional Sporting Complex on Monday afternoon.
Fire Contained at Sporting Complex
The blaze, which spread across approximately one hectare, was reported shortly before 3pm on Monday, January 12, 2026. NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) operational officer Phil Rook confirmed that four RFS trucks were dispatched to the scene. Their swift action ensured the fire posed no threat to any buildings within the complex.
Ignition Source to be Probed
Mr Rook stated that while the immediate danger has passed, the ignition source of the fire will be investigated. In a related incident, smoke reported on Tongarra Road at Albion Park is believed to have drifted from the Croom complex fire, with crews investigating and finding no separate blaze.
Major Border Fire Continues to Rage
While the local incident is resolved, emergency services remain on high alert due to a separate, large-scale bushfire burning east of Albury, near the NSW-Victorian border. This out-of-control fire has already consumed an estimated 100,000 hectares.
An emergency warning was issued on Monday afternoon as the fire moved eastward. Residents in the fire's path were advised it was too late to leave and instructed to shelter in place immediately.
The situation across the border in Victoria remains severe, with fires there destroying more than 350 structures, including approximately 100 homes. Tragically, the body of a man in his 60s was discovered in the area impacted by the Longwood fire.
