Inferno claims seaside homes
A NUMBER of homes have been destroyed by an out-ofcontrol bushfire near Bega in NSW’s southeast.
Residents of the seaside town of Tathra were told last night it was too late to leave as the blaze threatened properties around Thompson Drive.
The NSW Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning after the blaze — which started in Tarraganda — crossed the Bega River.
It says a number of homes have been damaged or destroyed, with assessment teams en route to inspect the destruction.
Firefighters expect the fire to be pushed north, as a southerly change hits the region.
“If you are south of the Bega River in the Tathra area, seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave and fire may block roads,” the RFS said in its advice late last night.
“If you are north of the Bega River, and it is safe to leave, leave now towards the north in the direction of Bermagui.”
Campers at a number of campgrounds were relocated, while an evacuation centre was established at the Bega Showground.
Meanwhile, a watch and act alert remains in place for fire near Goulburn, northeast of Canberra.
The fire has burnt more than 300 hectares around Tarlo River Rd, Carters Close, Towrang Rd and Narelle Lane in Greenwich Park.
Firefighters were last night working to contain the fire and protect homes.
Total fire bans were issued for more than half of NSW yesterday including the Greater Sydney region given the hot and windy conditions.
Twelve of the state’s 21 regions are experiencing severe fire conditions.
Temperatures soared to 38C at 3pm in Sydney’s CBD while further west at Penrith they reached 38.2C.