Police are appealing for dashcam footage as they continue investigations into a number of suspicious fires in the state's south, in the past fortnight.
In January 2026, Strike Force Lafayette was established to investigate several suspicious grass fires between Sunday 28 December 2025 and on Tuesday 6 January 2025, in and around Rennie, about 24km north-east of Mulwala.
Incidents include;
About 11.45am on Monday 5 January 2026, emergency services responded to Bull Plain Road, Rennie following reports of a grass fire. Rural Fire Service volunteers responded and put out the blaze, which burnt a small area of grassland. No property was damaged. Officers attached to Murray River Police District responded and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire.
About 6.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 January 2026), emergency services responded to a property on Pattersons and Summerglen Road Rennie, following reports of a grass fire. About 1 hectare of grassland was burnt. No property was damaged. Officers attached to Murray River Police District responded and commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have dashcam footage and or seen anything suspicious to come forward and contact Albury Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Murray River Police District Commander Superintendent Paul Smith said there are concerns with hot weather forecast over the coming days.
"This is a senseless act. Fires can have a devastating impact and can cause loss of life and there is no place for this type of behaviour in our community."
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
