TATHRA EVACUATION DETAILS: Bega Showground is the emergency evac shelter for those able to make it safely. Refer to rfs.nsw.gov.au for updates and if you need emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000).
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
PUBLIC INFORMATION and INQUIRY CENTRE: For bush fire information for the Bega and Tathra fires, call 1800 227 228.
UPDATE Monday, 8am: At least 70 buildings have been destroyed on the Far South Coast, with the Rural Fire Service saying that number could increase as firefighters continue to battle the bushfire.
RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said early estimates from overnight suggest 70 buildings have been lost in Tathra.
The bushfire, which began early on Sunday afternoon near Tarraganda, south-east of Bega, jumped the Bega River under hot and windy conditions towards Tathra.
UPDATE, 6.22pm: The fire at Tathra remains out of control with an Emergency Warning in place.
The fire started in the area of Tarraganda/Reedy Swamp, to the south-east of Bega. The fire crossed the Bega River and is impacting on properties in the Tathra area, particularly in the Thompsons Drive estate.
A number of homes are believed to have been damaged or destroyed by the fire. Building Impact Assessment Teams are on their way to the area to inspect properties and confirm damage.
A southerly change is moving across the area. This may push the fire in a northerly direction. Emergency Alert telephone warning messages are being sent to people in this area. Campers at a number of campgrounds to the north have been relocated where it is safe to do so.
Advice
If you are south of the Bega River in the Tathra area, seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave and fire may block roads. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If you are north of the Bega River, and it is safe to leave, leave now towards the north in the direction of Bermagui.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Bega Showground. Animals are being accepted.
Scroll down for further emergency service details.
UPDATE, 6pm:
A southerly change is moving through the area. This will send the fire in a northerly direction.
If you are south of the Bega River in the Tathra area, seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave and fire may block roads. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If you are north of the Bega River, and it is safe to leave, leave now towards the north in the direction of Bermagui.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Bega Showground. Animals are being accepted.
UPDATE, 5.15pm: The fire at Northview Close, Bega is now being reported as contained, with no immediate threat to homes. However, the fire closer to Tathra is still out of control and is believed to have damaged or destroyed homes.
The main impact is around the Thompson Drive area between Reedy Swamp and Tathra.
If you are in Tathra, seek shelter if the fire impacts. It is too late to leave. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
UPDATE, 5pm:
The RFS is reporting a number of homes are thought to have been damaged or destroyed in the Tathra area. Building Impact Assessment teams are on their way to assess.
Earlier:
An out of control bushfire at Reedy Swamp near Bega has been elevated to the highest Emergency Warning from the Rural Fire Service.
At 3.45pm Sunday, March 18, the emergency alert went out to residents in the region telling them to immediately seek shelter.
“You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk,” the alert read.
“If you are in Tathra, seek shelter if the fire impacts. It is too late to leave. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.”
RFS NSW reports the fire started in the area of Tarraganda, to the south-east of Bega.
The fire has crossed the Bega River and is impacting on properties around Thompson Drive in Tathra.
The fire is burning under strong and gusty north-westerly winds. A southerly change is expected to cross the area this afternoon. This may push the fire in a different direction.
RFS reports the Reedy Swamp fire has burnt over 150ha so far.
There is also a current Watch and Act alert for Northview Close in Bega as multiple fires burn around the Bega Valley.
A fire is out of control burning in bush and grass near Kerrisons Lane and Northview Close at Bega. The fire is also burning close to isolated properties.
Firefighters are on scene at both locations with additional crews being sent to assist.
The Princes Hwy had been closed in both directions north of Bega with a fire in the vicinity of Coopers Gully Rd. It was reopened at 4pm.
Wyndham Lane, Toothdale bushfire has been declared under control.
Other Information
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
