Monday, December 2: The Rural Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for the Currowan Fire, burning north of Batemans Bay. The fire has burnt more than 11,560 hectares and is not yet under control.
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Current Situation: Fire activity increased over the evening of December 1 due to strong westerly winds. The fire is spreading quickly in an easterly direction and has spotted across the Princes Highway in to the Murramarang National Park in the vicinity of T-Ridge Road.
Fire activity is increasing this morning, December 2..
The Princes Highway is now closed between Termeil and the Kings Highway turnoff. This has cut access to coastal communities.
There is a significant amount of smoke in the area.
Firefighters are working in the area to protect properties where possible.
2.10am, Monday, December 2: The Princes Highway has been closed between Termeil and the Kings HIghway roundabout at North Batemans Bay. The fire has jumped the highway into the Murramarang National Park and it is now too late for coastal villagers from Kioloa to North Durras to leave. They should seek shelter. Evacuation centres in Ulladulla and Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay, for others.
7.59pm: The Rural Fire Service advises: Under strong westerly winds, the fire is spreading quickly in an easterly direction towards the Princes Highway.
The fire has crossed the Clyde River and is burning to the west of the Princes Highway.
The fire is expected to reach the Princes Highway tonight or tomorrow. This will cut access to coastal communities.
There is a significant amount of smoke in the area.
Firefighters are working in the area to protect properties where possible.
6.32pm: Evacuation centres for larger animals have been set up at Milton and Moruya showgrounds. An evacuation centre has been opened at Hanging Rock Function Centre, Batemans Bay.
5.58pm: Smoke hazard on the Princes Highway north of Termeil. Traffic in both directions affected.
5.38pm: Meroo Point Road, north of Termeil. There are reports of fire in this area.
5.22pm: Latest advice from RFS
TOO LATE TO LEAVE: Residents west of the Princes Highway, between Termeil and East Lynne should seek shelter.
Those at Durras, Depot Beach, Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach and Bawley Pt should leave now for either Ulladulla or Batemans Bay.
Roads may be closed by fire later today.
Do not leave it until it is too late to leave. Take action now.
FLAT ROCK AND TERMEIL
Leave now towards Ulladulla.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Ulladulla Civic Centre, Princes Highway, Ulladulla. An evacuation centre is being established in Batemans Bay.
Check and follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
5.14pm: Reports from staging post at Termeil suggest Princes Highway could be soon closed.
4.37pm: An evacuation centre is about to open at the Ulladulla Civic Centre for people affected by the fire.
3.18pm: The Currowan fire warning has been upgraded to Emergency.
- If you are in the area to the west of the Princes Highway between Termeil and East Lynne, seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave.
- If you are in areas of Lake Tabourie, Termeil, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach and East Lynne, there is the potential to be affected by this fire in coming days. Make your preparations now and know what you will do if the fire impacts. Watch out for smoke and embers.
- Check and follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
- National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed campgrounds in Murramarang National Park.
- Unnecessary travel through forested areas west of the Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Termeil should be avoided. Roads may be closed at short notice.
2.41pm: The Rural Fire Service says the bushfire in the Currowan State Forest has increased under strong westerly winds.
The fire has burnt more than 6,900 hectares and is being controlled, but Brooman residents intending to leave are urged to do so now.
Spot fires are possible east of the Clyde River.
Coastal villagers from Lake Tabourie to Pebbly Beach, including Termeil and East Lynne are urged to prepare to enact their fire plans.
Current Situation
Fire activity has increased this afternoon due to strong westerly winds.
Crews have been backburning in an effort to contain the fire.
There is a significant amount of smoke in the area.
Fire continues to burn in the remote area of the Currowan State Forest, Shallow Crossing State Forest, Bimberamala National Park to the west of the Clyde River.
Advice
If you are in the area of Brooman, including along The River Road from Clyde Ridge Road (northern end) to The Sheep Track (southern end), leaving early is your safest option. If you are planning to leave, leave now.
If you plan to stay, be aware that conditions could change without warning. Only stay if you are properly prepared to actively defend your property.
If you are to the east of the Clyde River, watch out for smoke and embers in the area. These may start spot fires ahead of the main firefront.
If you are in areas of Lake Tabourie, Termeil, Bawley Point, Kioloa, Pebbly Beach, Pretty Beach and East Lynne, there is the potential to be affected by this fire in coming days. Make your preparations now and know what you will do if the fire impacts. Watch out for smoke and embers.
Check and follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed campgrounds in Murramarang National Park.
Unnecessary travel through forested areas west of the Princes Highway between Batemans Bay and Termeil should be avoided. Roads may be closed at short notice.
Other Information
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
The next update on this fire will be issued by 01/12/2019 18:00 or if the situation changes.