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Smoke cover over Deni may continue

Jan 13, 2026

Ronald Lawrence (fourth from left) with Barbara Fisher and airline staff after winning a Rotary competition in his youth.

Fire agencies are warning that smoke might continue to impact on Deniliquin and district as Victorian agencies continue to bring last week’s catastrophic heatwave fires under control.

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The Mid Murray Rural Fire Service issued a warning on Friday evening after a thick haze of smoke made its way across the district.

It is believed more smoke cover caused some concern locally on Sunday.

Deniliquin’s Fire + Rescue NSW was called out about 5.32am Sunday after residents in the Decimus/Harfleur St area of west Deniliquin smelled smoke.

No fire was found, leading firefighters to believe it was smoke drift.

It was one of three times the FRNSW brigade was called out since Friday, but not actually needed.

About 3pm Friday, the brigade was asked to assist with a fire in Moama, but the call for help was withdrawn before they arrived.

Firefighters were again called out at 2.45am Saturday to assist Ambulance NSW at a reported motorbike crash, but were not actually needed.

Historic photo emerges

The obituary for Ronald Lawrence in Friday’s Pastoral Times was moving for some members of the community, and inspired some great memories.

After reading the celebration of Ronald’s life and achievements, local historian Ian Lea reached for his archives.

He has supplied us - and the Lawrence family - with an image of Ronald as a teenager, enjoying the winnings of a youth competition.

The obituary recalled when he was the first recipient of the Rotary Club of Deniliquin’s Student of the Year award, established in 1951.

His prize was a plane trip to Melbourne, where he was hosted by Williamstown Rotary Club.

The provided photo shows Ronald (fourth from left) with Barbara Fisher and airline staff.

Mr Lea is an active member of the Deniliquin & District Historical Society.

Cool change brings relief

Deniliquin residents are enjoying a welcome break from extreme heat, with three days of temperatures over 40℃ coming to an end on Saturday.

Last week, the weather conditions were dominated by hot northerly winds and severe heatwave conditions, peaking at 45.4℃ but only a slightly lower 44.6℃ on Friday, where the heat was paired with wind speeds of up to 70km/h.

The change arrived late Friday, dropping temperatures to a top of just 28.8℃ on Saturday, and just 26℃ on Sunday.

At the time of going to print yesterday, the mercury was tracking for a top of 32℃.

The more comfortable conditions saw many take the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, after days spent sheltering from the heat.

The cooler temperatures are expected to stick around until at least Sunday, but humidity levels are expected to be on the higher side.