A devastating fire that destroyed 30 classrooms at Deniliquin High School in the early hours of Saturday morning has shocked the Riverina community, but the response has been marked by remarkable solidarity and swift action to ensure students can continue their education.

Emergency services were called to the school on Harfleur Street at approximately 12:45am on Saturday, November 29, after reports of a building alight. About 50 firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW spent roughly 14 hours battling the blaze and extinguishing hot spots, with crews arriving from Deniliquin, Finley, Moama, Tocumwal and Jerilderie, along with a specialist truck from Albury. The Rural Fire Service, police and ambulance services also attended the scene.

FRNSW Superintendent Stewart Alexander reported that the fire first engulfed classrooms used for metalwork and woodwork before spreading to the library, causing major damage. Despite the extensive destruction, 18 classrooms remained undamaged. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

A crime scene was established immediately, with specialist fire investigators travelling from Sydney on Saturday afternoon to work alongside NSW Police in examining the scene. The investigation was conducted under Strike Force Soderblom, and police confirmed on Monday that the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested two juvenile males, aged 15 and 16, on Monday, December 1. Both teenagers were taken to Deniliquin Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter and destroy property by fire in company. They were granted strict conditional bail and are scheduled to appear before a children's court on Wednesday, December 10 2025.

Murray MP Helen Dalton visited the site on Monday and met with Principal Glen Warren, along with Principal Director of Education Leadership Derek Noffke, Mayor Ashley Hall, Edward River General Manager Jack Bond and Chief Inspector Michael Fuller from Deniliquin Police Station. She praised the incredible support from across the community, noting that people had stepped up immediately to offer help, space and supplies.

The school has moved quickly to establish arrangements that will allow students to complete the academic year. Support classes will now be held at Edward Public School, whilst Year 11 students will continue their studies at TAFE in the connected Learning Centre, with buses organised for transport. Years 7, 8 and 9 will work from home using online learning resources that have been maintained since COVID. Students who are unable to learn from home can work from Deniliquin South School.

Communication channels have been prioritised, with school phones reinstated and operating between 8am and 5pm. The school has committed to holding meetings every afternoon, with information to be distributed via email. The NSW Department of Education is working with TAFE NSW and other agencies to arrange alternate accommodation, with arrangements expected to be finalised by Tuesday, December 2.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson confirmed that the site would be made safe before students and staff could return, and emphasised the department's commitment to standing up replacement facilities as soon as possible. The department is also offering support to the Deniliquin school community as it processes the shock of the incident.

For more information regarding the school's operations during this period, the community is encouraged to monitor the school's website and Facebook page.