Most of Tathra is being evacuated by emergency response services due to an out of control bushfire.
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Bega Showground has been designated the emergency evacuation shelter for those able to make it safely.
Update: 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.
Scroll down for further emergency service details.
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.
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.
