NSW Police have released a statement on the recent fire in Ballina, which damaged a public housing complex and led to the evacuation of residents.
Just after 9am on Thursday 27 August 2026, police attended a home on Tamar Street, Ballina, following reports of a person damaging the property.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and were told a man was allegedly throwing items and damaging property inside the home.
As police were arresting a 46-year-old man inside, he allegedly refused to leave and armed himself with a baseball bat and glass.
A perimeter was established.
The man then allegedly started a fire inside the home, before officers forced entry, successfully deployed a taser, before arresting the man.
Two nearby residents were evacuated without injury before Fire and Rescue NSW arrived and extinguished the blaze.
A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.
The man was assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
He was taken to Ballina Police Station where he was charged with destroy or damage property less than or equal to $2000, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, and damage property by fire/explosive more than $15000.
He was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Court 1 yesterday (Friday 28 August 2026).
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