Fires around Moruya
The ‘funnel’ to the west of Moruya – the gap between the Clyde Mountain and Badja fires - has burnt intensely today under a westerly influence, bringing the two fires together. The fire looked like becoming pyrocumulus early this afternoon with intense fire west of Moruya and back up to the tablelands under dry and windy conditions. This didn’t eventuate, and in more good news, there is now a deep containment ‘plug’ to the west of Moruya. This successful outcome is the result of careful lead-up work completed by RFS, Forestry and NPWS teams this week. Moruya residents should continue to keep an eye out for embers into the evening.
Fires in the rest of Eurobodalla
Fire across the rest of the shire has been active in areas and relatively well contained thanks to the easterly influence prevailing over westerly winds in Eurobodalla’s coastal areas. The effect is to consolidate and strengthen many of the backburning operations, leaving less bushland to generate large fire runs toward towns and rural residential areas. The EOC will provide more specific information tomorrow about the fire fronts from Moruya to Dignams Creek.
Future
In most areas of the Eurobodalla, today’s active fire has provided a positive outcome for future weeks. There is still plenty of fire within the southern landscape and around Gulaga, so the battle to contain this fire will continue. The next week or more is looking favourable weather-wise.
Tomorrow should be a day where anxiety levels can calm for most, while those residents at the fire front needing to remain alert and work with the RFS and other agencies.
For Eurobodalla residents in areas without active fire and with as yet unburnt bush, please remain alert for any new fires as it is still extremely dry out there.
Evacuation centres
Evacuation centres in Moruya and Narooma are open 24/7 and will be reviewed on Monday.
· Moruya evacuation centre: Moruya Basketball stadium, in the showgrounds, Albert Street, Moruya, open 24/7
· Narooma evacuation centre: Narooma Leisure Centre, Bluewater Drive, Narooma, open 24/7
· Bermagui Surf Club evacuation centre, Lamont St, Bermagui
Roads and traffic
Road closures implemented today on roads west of the Princes Highway between Moruya and Dignams Creek, including Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, will remain in place until Sunday morning. Araluen Road, Larrys Mountain Road and Potato Point Road remain closed until further notice. Please obey roadblocks – they are in place for your safety.
Closures
Moruya waste transfer station and Brou tip are both closed due to fire activity. Both facilities will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. Surf Beach tip is open Monday to Friday 7am to 4.45pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 8am to 3.45pm.
Power
Essential Energy advise that 237 Eurobodalla customers are without power in the areas of Deep Creek, Mogendoura, Bodalla, Tilba, Nerrigundah, Rosedale, Nelligen. Customers can call 132080 for enquiries. Crews will resume work tomorrow morning to repair the damaged network in Eurobodalla.
Essential Energy is encouraging residents in remote areas who have been without power for an extended time to call 132080 to arrange a generator.
Water
Please help conserve water for essential drinking water and firefighting. The shire’s water storage facility at Deep Creek Dam is now below fifty percent capacity and Level 4 water restrictions are in place. Find more information at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/water
Animal welfare
South East Local Lands Service continue their good work providing animal welfare support. Call 1800 814 647 if you need assistance for your stock.
Community updates
Eurobodalla’s Emergency Operations Centre will provide community updates as required, distributed to media, social media, community associations and the evacuation centre.
Stay updated with Fires Near Me, Live Traffic and local radio. If your life is in danger call Triple Zero (000).
Chief Inspector Greg Flood
Local Emergency Operations Controller
Emergency Operations Centre, Eurobodalla
1 February 2020, 7.30pm
