Erratic conditions expected as emergency fires 'go pyrocumulus'

During his 2.30pm update, Far South Coast Rural Fire Service community liaison officer Marty Webster said the fires are all showing signs of already "going pyrocumulus" or just about to.

That's when the fire activity is so intense it creates its own cloud structures in the atmosphere and therefore the potential for storm activity.

"When that happens, fire conditions become very erratic," Webster said.

"There's very little chance of suppressing those fires [when that happens], so from now on it's about protecting life, and property where we can.

"These fires have the capacity to create their own weather now so it's really hard to predict, so we're expecting a really rough period between now and nightfall.

"The southerly change looks to be about midnight give or take an hour."

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Emergency text alerts have been sent out across the southern parts of the Bega Valley, particularly along the Towamba Valley region where three fires are all encroaching.

Webster said the gist of those messages is to shelter in place immediately, it is too late to leave.

"We've talked over the past several days about the risk of staying so we're now banking on the fact it's only those people who are prepared to the highest level that are still there

"Please read the message because it may well be too late to leave.

"If the message says shelter in place that's exactly what we want you to do do - leaving late is a really really dangerous option.

"Remain vigilant and follow the events as they unfold."

That call to remain vigilant was echoed by Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain.

"I know we're all anxious and tired but please keep listening out for messages and heed advice, and look out for each other. Don't get complacent."

Watch their full update below