Damage from the fire that started behind a wall in the Moama Recreation Reserve building.
The Moama Recreation Reserve building has been forced to shut after a fire ripped through part of its social rooms during Saturday’s Murray Football League Grand Final.
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Smoke filled the building about 3.30pm after a fire broke out behind a wall near the male toilets and cleaners’ cupboard.
The building and grandstand were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze, with no injuries reported.
Murray River Council chief executive Stacy Williams said the quick response from everyone on site helped ensure the safety of patrons, players, staff and volunteers.
“We are very grateful for the quick action and co-operation of the Deniliquin Rams Football Netball Club, who were operating the canteen, as well as the Moama Football Netball Club and Murray Football Netball League,” Ms Williams said.
“Their immediate response, along with the professional work of Fire and Rescue NSW, the RFS and NSW Police, ensured the incident was safely contained and the building was evacuated without injury.
“While it was an unfortunate disruption to what should have been a great day of football and netball, the safety of everyone attending was the priority.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Moama and Deniliquin were called to Moama Recreation Reserve after a fire started behind a wall in the clubrooms.
Moama Football Netball Club president Scott Slater said while fire damage had been contained, smoke had spread throughout the facility.
“Thankfully, the damage to our rooms has been contained to the kitchen and male toilets area; however, smoke has infiltrated the whole building, requiring it to remain closed for the time being,” he said.
“There is work ahead to restore the facility.”
Mr Slater described Saturday as a “difficult day” for the club but said the response from the football and netball community had been extraordinary.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to all emergency services personnel who attended the fire and worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe,” he said.
“Your professionalism, dedication and calm response are deeply appreciated.”
Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Moama and Deniliquin attended alongside NSW Police and NSW Ambulance, with emergency services remaining at the reserve until about 7.15pm.
The closure has already forced the club to relocate its presentation night, with Rich River Golf Club stepping in to host the event on Thursday.
Murray River Council will assess the building and determine what remediation work is needed.
The cause of the fire and estimated damage bill have not yet been confirmed.
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