But first was the fire, reported on Old Racecourse Rd at about 11.53pm on Friday.
Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW had support from the Deniliquin Rural Fire Service to bring it under control without any impact on homes or livestock.
Crews remained on scene until 12.50am to fully extinguish the area.
Nearby residents have suggested the blaze was caused by fireworks, although this has not been confirmed by either fire authority.
Deni FRNSW said the cause is being investigated by Murray River Police District.
On Thursday, a lightning storm passed over the region and started at least one fire in the Bullatale region.
While not accompanied by much rain, there was enough to extinguish the Bullatale blaze before firefighters arrived.
Landholders are being urged to monitor closely for fires that may still start as a result of the lightning.
“A single lightning strike can smoulder for hours, even days, before turning into a fire that threatens homes, stock and livelihoods,” the Mid Murray RFS said.
“After recent storms, rural properties are especially at risk. Lightning can ignite fence posts, trees, hay stacks, paddocks and even underground root systems, creating hidden hotspots that flare up when conditions change.”
The region’s rain finally came on Sunday and Monday, which resulted in the Deniliquin-Conargo SES receiving multiple reports for assistance as flash flooding issues emerged.
Unit commander Jodie Graham said this included a tree down blocking a driveway and water entering a home, as heavy rain swept across the region.
By Monday morning, she said the local area had received 50.8mm, and the rain continued through the day.
This lead to water over several roads - including known trouble areas like Jameson St, Wood St and Sloane St in Deniliquin.
The conditions, plus flash flooding, led to an SES warning to not travel unless required.
“This has caused water over roads within the Deniliquin township, and roads will be slippery, so please exercise caution when driving,” Ms Graham said.
“It is expected that we may receive more heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding.
“This event may change quickly and NSW SES is monitoring the situation and will continue to update the NSW SES Facebook page.
“At a local level, we will be updating the Deniliquin-Conargo Facebook page on a daily basis, but this page is not monitored.”
The SES advice on ‘what you need to do’ is as follows:
• Avoid unnecessary travel, move indoors, bring children and pets with you.
• Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, power lines and drains.
• If safe to do so, secure or put away items, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines and roofing iron that could blow around in strong winds.
• Grab your emergency kit in case you lose power or need to leave your home.
The Pastoral Times sought advice and comment from Edward River Council on trouble draining areas and flash flooding impacts within the Deniliquin township.
Council was unable to provide a response before our print deadline yesterday.
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