While all bushfire currently burning in the Bega Valley have been downgraded from Emergency status, they remain dangerous.
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As of 8am Wednesday morning, January 1, the Badja Forest Rd fire is at Watch and Act level after devastating the northern part of the shire.
This fire has merged with the Big Belimba Creek and Bumbo Creek fires and as of this morning has burnt through 165,000ha and remains out of control.
The worst fears have been realised with the confirmed deaths of father and son Robert and Patrick Salway, who stayed to defend their Wandella property.
Details from the Rural Fire Service say conditions have eased on the fireground, but it remains dangerous.
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.
For LIVE and FREE rolling coverage of the South Coast bushfire crisis, click here
Advice
Bermagui, Regatta Point, Wallaga Lake and Wallaga Lake Heights
Monitor the conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Remain in place.... 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 FIRE
The Werri Berri fire is still burning out of control to the north of Bemboka and has burnt through 3177ha so far.
It is currently at Watch and Act level.
A strong southerly change moved across the fireground this morning, pushing the fire in a northerly direction.
Embers are starting spot fires ahead of the main fire front.
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.
MYRTLE MOUNTAIN RD
Further south, the Wyndham fire is at Advice level, with RFS reporting it had brought this fire under control on Tuesday afternoon.
If you are in the area Devils Hole Road, Myrtle Mountain Road and Wyndham, monitor the changing conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
BORDER FIRE
The Weir Road Fire is burning in the Timbillica State Forest and in the Allan Brook Road area south of Eden and has connected with the fire that has been impacting in the Mallacoota area. It is currently at Advice level, with residents and visitors in the areas of Timbillica, Narrabarba and Wonboyn urged to continue monitoring conditions this morning.
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.
ROAD CLOSURES
The Snowy Mountains Highway west of Bemboka and over Brown Mountain has reopened.
You should only attempt to travel the route if you have a full tank of fuel. Drive with your headlights on and be aware that smoke will impact on your visibility. Please drive to the conditions and with caution.
Police will be monitoring traffic along the route.
RFS crews and support agencies are still working hard to reopen the Princes Highway between Brogo and Cobargo.
The Princes Highway and Imlay Road into Victoria remain closed
EVACUATION CENTRES
Tathra Surf Lifesaving Club
Bega Showground
Club Sapphire in Merimbula
Eden Fishermen's Club and Eden Country Club
People with caravans and the ability to camp can also go to Pambula Sporting Complex, Berrambool Oval at Merimbula, and Tathra Country Club. Limited toilet and shower facilities are available.
The Pambula Surf Club is also open for showers.
WATER QUALITY
A Boil Water Notice applies for Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui, Beauty Point, Fairhaven, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Wallaga Lake Koori Village and Akolele, as well as trunk main customers in these areas.
All water for drinking, food preparation, the cleaning of teeth needs to be boiled before use.
At Bemboka - potable water, for drinking purposes only, is available at the Bemboka fire shed (BYO container). Tap water at Bemboka should only be used for firefighting, there is ash in the town's water supply. Be aware that the ash in the water could damage home hot water systems if used.
All other water supplies in the Bega Valley Shire are currently unaffected.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you are in place in the Bega, Tathra, Bermagui, Merimbula, Pambula, Tura Beach and Eden areas and you are as comfortable as you can be in these conditions, then stay where you are.
Sightseers in some locations are causing an issue for emergency services, please stay away from places like Cobargo which has been heavily impacted. You are placing yourself and others at risk.