There has been some good news for the South Coast, with tourists encouraged to return to the region.
Major towns are now considered safe enough for travel and the Rural Fire Service have given the all-clear for visitors to return to the area and help the struggling communities get back on their feet.
Many businesses have been hit hard by the fires and there is no better way for people to show their support than to head to the South Coast and enjoy the beautiful beaches, eat at the local cafes and restaurants and shop at the local stores.
Thanks to all the firefighters, SES volunteers and the unsung heroes of local communities for your tireless efforts in fighting the fires and getting our villages and towns ready to receive visitors.
For full details please see the RFS Media Release below.
NSW Rural Fire Service Media Release
11 January 2020
Tourists are encouraged to start returning to the villages and towns along the Far South Coast as weather conditions improve.
The Clyde Mountain fire has been burning in the Eurobodalla area for the past six weeks, reaching over 83,000 hectares in size.
The Badja Forest fire has been burning in the Snowy Monaro/Eurobodalla/Bega Valley area for the past two weeks, reaching over 237,000 hectares in size.
The Werri Berri fire has been burning in the Bega Valley area for the past two weeks, reaching over 21,200 hectares in size.
The Border fire has been burning in the Bega Valley area for the past two weeks, reaching over 156,000 hectares in size. These fires have significantly affected the local residents and communities.
Friday’s hot and windy conditions caused some increase to fire activity across the fire ground however Firefighters were able to respond quickly and prevent any major outbreaks.
The weather for the next seven days is predicted to be more favourable with the chance of showers later in the week. Although there is still significant amounts of fire across the area the risk has eased and there are many villages and towns that are now safe for people to visit.
Local Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Emergency Operations Controllers and the RFS Incident Controller would like to encourage visitors to return to the area and help the communities get back on their feet.
Inspector Angus Barnes said “Firefighters and support agencies will continue work to contain and recover from the fires over coming weeks and months. There are many areas that are now safe for people to visit. We encourage visitors to make contact with their accommodation providers to confirm they are open for business. While enjoying your time in the Far South Coast we ask that you stay up to date using Fires Near Me and Live Traffic applications”.
NSW Police reminded visitors to “Observe road closures and respect the privacy of residents who have lost homes by avoiding fire effected areas. There are numerous coastal villages ready and waiting to welcome visitors”.
Local holiday parks and accommodation providers are asked to review their systems of monitoring weather conditions and changes in the fire situation so that they can ensure their guests are well informed and stay safe whilst visiting the area. Visitors should note that all National Parks will remain closed until the 1st of February 2020.
> Updates on this fire are also available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
> For information on road conditions or closures, please call the NSW RTA on 131 700 or check www.livetraffic.com