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 have both been upgraded to Watch and Act.

Conditions are set to deteriorate through the afternoon and evening.

RFS Community Liason Officer for Bega Valley, Greg Potts, said any fires that start today will be very difficult to control.

"Under today's conditions even a very well prepared property with fit and able defenders may not be able to be saved," Mr Potts said.

"The key message for today is protection of life. We don't want people to take any chances.

"Be realistic. Your life is more valuable to your family and community than your property. The best way to stay safe is to not be near bush or grass fuel loads."

As cloud and the humidity layer lifts fires will start to run more aggressively and fire spread will be accelerated by the wind.

The winds forecast for today mean fire movement will be unpredictable, Mr Potts said.

"There is a complex wind pattern today, with a strong north westerly, some sea breeze and a southerly coming up," he said.

"The BoM has forecast the southerly will hit the Bega Valley about 5pm, and then it will be a battle between the northwesterly and the southerly.

"Today, the wind can come from anywhere and fires can run in any direction."

Roadblocks are in place from Akolele to Mogareeka. Residents are strongly encouraged to leave while they can.

"People can exit the area but cannot enter," Mr Potts said.

"We have units pre-positioned at key points and they will respond to outbreaks.

"Their safety is our priority. We won't send our crews into unsafe areas today.

"We've told the public to be out of these areas and will be careful with our crews for the same reasons."

If people are in need of accommodation, evacuation centres at Bega Showground and Club Sapphire in Merimbula will arrange this.