Conditions have eased across the fireground at the North Black Range bushfire near Braidwood, which was downgraded on Thursday evening.
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The fire had been raised to an emergency warning level about 4pm, but by 6pm crews had managed to contain some of the spread and the alert level was downgraded to watch and act.
Residents north east of the fire in the areas of Six Mile Flat, Warri and Manar who planned to leave their properties have been advised to do so towards Bungendore.
Residents in the areas of Mount Elrington, Bendoura and Wallaces Gap were urged to monitor conditions and be prepared to enact their bushfire survival plan.
NSW Rural Fire Service officer Darren Marks said there had been a significant increase in the fire spotting to the north and south on Thursday afternoon, but crews contained the fire at Cooma Road.
"We're having some winds in the southern area of the fire but we have managed to contain all of the spot fires and fire runs that occurred east of Cooma Road," he said.
Mr Marks said there was an ember shower in the Mount Elrington and Cooma Road area.
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Kings Highway was closed on Thursday but reopened to Braidwood at 7:30pm at a reduced speed limit.
Cooma Road is also closed south of Braidwood.
There will be another total fire ban in the Braidwood region on Friday and the fire danger level is "very high". The North Black Range fire has burnt more than 27,000 hectares near the Tallaganda National Park.
It was started on Tuesday, November 26 by lightning.
Mr Marks said the fire posed a risk while it was still burning.
"This afternoon has demonstrated, that the risk continues to exist as long as there is fire in the landscape and we are having significant fire days like we are today, anybody in the vicinity of the fire should be prepared and have a plan," he said.
An estimated 180 firefighters were battling the fire on Thursday, along with crews from the ACT and South Australia. Aircraft were also being used to help control the fire.
Schools in Braidwood were closed on Thursday, including Braidwood Central School, Braidwood Preschool and St Bede's Primary School.
Elliot Williams
I've been a reporter with The Canberra Times since 2017 and as a proud Canberran it's been an honour to tell the stories of my hometown. I'm currently reporting on the public service and examining the ins and outs of a very important part of our city. Email: elliot.williams@canberratimes.com.au
I've been a reporter with The Canberra Times since 2017 and as a proud Canberran it's been an honour to tell the stories of my hometown. I'm currently reporting on the public service and examining the ins and outs of a very important part of our city. Email: elliot.williams@canberratimes.com.au
Lucy Bladen
Lucy Bladen has been a journalist at The Canberra Times since 2019. She is an ACT politics and health reporter. Email: l.bladen@canberratimes.com.au
Lucy Bladen has been a journalist at The Canberra Times since 2019. She is an ACT politics and health reporter. Email: l.bladen@canberratimes.com.au
