11am, Saturday January 4
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Two of the large out of control fires burning in the Bega Valley have been upgraded to Watch and Act, as was predicted at Friday night's public briefing.
They are the Werri Berri fire just north of Bemboka and the Badja Forest Rd fire that has since spread devastatingly through Cobargo and Quaama and now threatens Bermagui.
BADJA FOREST ROAD
Current Situation
A number of bush fires are burning in the area of Big Belimba Creek and Bumbo Creek, in the Dampier State Forest, to the west of Nerrigundah and Bodalla and the Badja Forest Road, Countegany area.
The fire is more than 199,000 hectares in size and is out of control.
Dangerous fire conditions are expected today, Saturday, January 4. These fires pose a serious threat to life. Do not be in the path of these fires. View the fire spread prediction map here.
An inversion layer is now lifting. Weather is starting to worsen and fire activity is increasing.
Strong north westerly winds will push the fire towards the coast.
A gusty southerly change is due later this afternoon which will push the fire in a more northerly direction.
There is also a chance of thunderstorms.
Only properties that are designed, prepared and actively defended to the highest standards offer protection during extreme fire danger conditions. Only stay if you are physically and mentally prepared.
The Princes Highway and a number of local roads are closed due to fire, fallen trees and downed power lines. Avoid travel in the area.
Tathra - Bermagui Road will be closed from 10am between Akolele to Mogareeka. People will still be able to leave the area but these opportunities are rapidly closing.
Significant works are underway to open this section of the Princes Highway as soon as it is safe to do so. Monitor Live Traffic NSW
Crews are working to protect properties in the area.
Advice
Bermagui, Regatta Point, Wallaga Lake and Wallaga Lake Heights
Residents in these areas were urged to leave prior to 10am Saturday.
If you are still in the area, monitor the conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Remain in place. A number of roads are blocked and closed.
Cobargo, Coolagolite, Quaama and Mcleods Hill
The fire front has passed through the area.
There are still areas of active fire.
Activate your bush fire survival plan.
Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Be alert for falling trees and branches.
Nerrigundah, Tinpot, Cadgee, Eurobodalla, Turlinjah, Comerang and Bodalla
The fire front has passed through the area.
There may still be areas of active fire.
Activate your bush fire survival plan.
Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Be alert for falling trees and branches.
West of the Princes Highway including Wandella, Upper Brogo, Yowrie, and Verona
The fire front has passed through the area.
There may still be areas of active fire.
Activate your bush fire survival plan.
Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Be alert for falling trees and branches.
Badja Road, between Countegany and Boggy Plain
Monitor conditions.
Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, travel west to Numeralla.
If you are threatened by fire
Do not be in the path of the fire.
Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
WERRI BERRI
Current Situation
The fire is burning to the north of Bemboka. The fire is more than 15,000 hectares and is out of control.
Dangerous fire conditions are expected today. These fires pose a serious threat to life. Do not be in the path of these fires. View the fire spread prediction map here.
An inversion layer is now lifting. Weather is starting to worsen and fire activity is increasing.
Strong north westerly winds will push the fire towards the coast. A gusty southerly change is due later this afternoon which will push the fire in a more northerly direction.
There is also a chance of thunderstorms.
Advice
If you are in the area from Yankees Gap to Bemboka, your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave now towards Bega.
If you are in the area of Numbugga, Pollack Flat and Desert Creek, watch out for embers and spot fires. Monitor the changing conditions. Follow your bush fire survival plan and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are in the Brogo area, monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are threatened by fire
Do not be in the path of the fire.
Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
Other Information
- Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
- For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW. Roads may be closed without warning.
- Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.