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Bushfires emergency: Two dead, five missing, more lives threatened as fires rage in NSW, Victoria

NSW emergency services minister David Elliot has cancelled his holiday after a father and son died as catastrophic fires force thousands to flee to the coast for shelter.

Debbie Schipp, Rachel Baxendale and Emily Ritchie
46 min read
5:43PMDecember 31, 2019.
Updated 11:12PMDecember 31, 2019
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Locals seek refuge from bushfire at Malua Bay, just south of Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast. Picture: Alex Coppel.
Locals seek refuge from bushfire at Malua Bay, just south of Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast. Picture: Alex Coppel.

As multiple catastrophic fires burn in NSW and Victoria, the danger is acute. Two people have died at Cobargo on the NSW South Coast and five more are missing in Victoria and NSW firegrounds. Thousands are sheltering on beaches. In Mallacoota, the ADF is preparing to evacuate thousands sheltering near the ocean. Earlier today, father-to-be Samuel McPaul was named as the third firefighter to die in two weeks.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 11.10pm: New Year's Day fire ban

The NSW RFS has declared a total fire ban in the south-east of the state for the first day of the new year.

The Southern Ranges, Central Ranges and Southern Slopes are being blanketed with a total ban for tomorrow due to forecast hot and windy conditions.

These areas include the townships of Goulburn, Yass, Lithgow, Bathurst and Cootamundra.

People will be forbidden from lighting any fire in the open.

At midnight fire bans in the Hunter, the Greater Sydney region, the ACT and the Illawarra region expire. There are no current plans to renew them tomorrow.

Over 100 fires continue to burn across the state.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 9.40pm: Fireys ‘runover’ by blaze

A team of firefighters has captured the terrifying moment their truck was engulfed in flames in a bushfire south of Nowra in NSW.

The crew from Fire and Rescue station 509 Wyoming was speedily retreating down a rural road in blood-red light surrounded on all sides by roaring flames and spinning embers.

Suddenly, a live fire leapt from the bush and onto the road in front of them.

“Put the blanket up!” yelled one firey as the team prepared to bunker down in their truck and wait for the flames to cover them.

A heat-resistant blanket was hastily spread over the left hand side of the vehicle, just in time.

“Jesus” exclaimed one of the men as large flames flared up against the windows.

One member of the crew took the time to yell “spillover!” into the radio as the fire passed over their truck.

As the fire climbed down the other side of the truck, the team sped off, yelling “keep going” to the driver.

The harrowing moment was caught on film by a member of the crew and shared on twitter by Fire and Rescue NSW.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.50pm: Suspicious fire at Lake Macquarie

NSW RFS have issued an emergency warning over a 185 hectare fire that is burning out of control at Charmhaven in the Central Coast.

The fire broke out this afternoon and is currently being contained by a water bomber and RFS personnel.

NSW RFS have confirmed that they are instigating an investigation into the origin of the fire as it is burning independently of any existing bushfire.

People in the area of Blue Haven are being advised to seek shelter. Anyone in neighbouring areas should monitor conditions.

Yoni Bashan 8.15pm: Elliott to return after deaths

NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott has confirmed he will return home from a family vacation to the United Kingdom due to the escalating fire crisis engulfing parts of the state.

“In light of the escalating damage toll to the South Coast and the tragic loss of a further two civilians and one RFS volunteer, I have decided to return to Australia to stand with our selfless volunteer firefighters and bushfire affected communities as we get through this period of devastating loss,” Mr Elliott said.

The Minister had handed over his responsibilities to Corrections Minister Anthony Roberts, who took over the portfolio on Friday. Prior to leaving Mr Elliott assured the public that he would return home if the situation demanded it.

He is understood to have been airborne until approximately 6pm this evening when he received a briefing from the RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and decided to return.

He has told The Australian that he is currently making arrangements to fly back and should touch down in the coming days.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.55pm: Elliot cancels holiday

Amy (L) and Ben Spencer sit at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega after they were evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires. Picture: AFP.
Amy (L) and Ben Spencer sit at the showgrounds in the southern New South Wales town of Bega after they were evacuated from nearby sites affected by bushfires. Picture: AFP.

NSW emergency services minister David Elliot has cancelled his European holiday after the deaths of two more people in the catastrophic bushfires ravaging the state..

Mr Elliot told the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday night that he will seek to return to Australia as soon as possible amid the escalating bushfire crisis.

“In light of the escalating damage toll to the south coast and the tragic loss of a further two civilians and one RFS volunteer, I have decided to return to Australia to stand with our selfless volunteer firefighters and bushfire affected communities as we get through this period of devastating loss,” he said.

Mr Elliot sustained criticism last week when he decided to visit the UK and France with his family while RFS personnel under his portfolio toiled to contain summer bushfires.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.45pm: Greystanes fire downgraded

The Greystanes fire, which is burning less than 30km from the Sydney CBD, has been quickly downgraded to watch and act from out of control as 140 firefighters descended to extinguish the blaze.

NSW Rural Fire Service Spokesman told The Australian that crews from the RFS were assisting their metro NSW fire and rescue counterparts in extinguishing the fire, about four hectares in size.

The grass fire is burning east of the prospect reservoir and may spread in a northerly direction due to strong southern winds.

The Sydney RFS is advising anyone in the area of Prospect Reservoir, south the M4, and north of the train line in the area of Pemulwuy to monitor conditions and enact their bushfire survival plan.

Greystanes has a population of 22,000 people and lies South of the large suburb of Parramatta, which cancelled it’s New Years Eve fireworks display on Monday after the RFS refused to extend an exemption to the fire ban covering most of the state citing dangerous conditions.

Over 100 fires continue to burn across the state.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.15pm: Western Sydney emergency warning

An emergency warning has been issued for a fire in the Western Sydney suburbs of Greystanes, 30km from Sydney’s CBD and from Sydney Harbour where up to a million people are gathering to watch the famed New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

NSW RFS has said that a grass fire is currently burning out of control near the Prospect Reservoir.

The fire is spreading quickly in a northerly direction under southerly winds.

Residents in the area east of Prospect Reservoir, south the M4, and north of the train line in the area of Pemulwuy, Greystanes re being told it is too late to leave and to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

6.50pm: 2019 bushfire season at a glance

NSW:

• 11 lives lost, three in the past 24 hours

• 112 bushfires burning

• 3.6 million hectares burned, greater than the size of Belgium

• 911 homes confirmed destroyed

ViCTORIA

• Four people missing

• 33 bushfires of significance burning

• 400,000 hectares burned

• 43 structures confirmed destroyed but this number is expected rise significantly

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• Two lives lost

• More than 30 bushfires burning, six of significance

• 60,000 hectares burned

• More 90 homes confirmed destroyed

QUEENSLAND

• 27 bushfire burning, none threatening property

• More than 250,000 hectares burned * 38 homes confirmed destroyed

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

• More than 40 bushfires burning, one of significance

• 1.2 million hectares burned

• One home confirmed destroyed

TASMANIA

• More than 30 bushfires burning, six of significance

• 8,000 hectares burned

• One home confirmed destroyed

Matthew Denholm 6.45pm: Buildings destroyed in Tasmania

Fire fighters look to contain a fire along Elderslie Road in Elderslie. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Fire fighters look to contain a fire along Elderslie Road in Elderslie. Picture: Zak Simmonds

At least one home is confirmed destroyed, along with other buildings, as bushfires continued to threaten a number of Tasmanian rural communities late on Tuesday.

Areas near Mangana, a hamlet in the state’s north-east, were under threat, as potentially were a number of areas near another large fire near Pelham in the Upper Derwent Valley.

Firefighters were still assessing the damage from the two fires but late on Tuesday said a number of buildings – including at least one home - had been destroyed in the Pelham fire.

“Impact assessments are still being undertaken and that number may increase,” the Tasmania Fire Service advised.

Four emergency blazes harassed communities at Pelham and Elderslie, in the Upper Derwent Valley, and near Mangana and Fingal, in the northeast, overnight Monday, before a cool change temporarily eased conditions.

More than 400 lightning strikes on land threatened to spark new fires, with one spotted on Tuesday near the Swan River on the East Coast.

Tasmanian Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol said dozens of homes had been saved by firefighters but others could not be protected in extreme conditions, including strong winds and high temperatures.

“A handful (of buildings destroyed) is what I’ve got in initial reports,” Mr Arnol told reporters, adding that assessments were still being undertaken.

Both the major bushfires – Pelham and Fingal – had been started by lightning. By Tuesday night, the Pelham fire was about 1600 hectares with a 26km boundary.

The TFS warned this blaze could put the Pelham, Elderslie and Broadmarsh areas under threat on Tuesday night. The fire near Mangana and Fingal was expected to put areas north-east of Tower Hill under threat.

Earlier on Tuesday, the TFS advised about nine people had registered with an evacuation centre in Bridgewater, north of Hobart, and 11 at a similar facility in St Helens, in the state’s northeast.

The fire danger is expected to rise in Tasmania with climbing temperatures on Saturday, albeit briefly before a further cool change.

The several storm fronts that crossed Tasmania late Monday and overnight also brought strong winds that left thousands without power.

Emily Ritchie 6.10pm: Father, son killed in Cobargo

Patrick Salway with his wife Renee. Picture: Facebook.
Patrick Salway with his wife Renee. Picture: Facebook.

~A father and son have been killed in a firestorm that razed the historic NSW South Coast township of Cobargo, destroying dozens of shops and homes and leaving one man unaccounted for.

Patrick Salway, 29, and his 63-year-old father Robert, described as “salt of the earth blokes”, died while trying to save their home and farming equipment from the raging Badja Forest blaze on Monday night.

Click here for the full story

Anne Barrowclough 6.00pm: 120 fires in NSW

As of 6pm there are 120 fires in NSW, with 68 out of control. Over 3000 firefighters are in the field and eight emergency warnings are in place. The RFS warns tonight’s southerly change could make the situation more unpredictable and dangerous.

The RFS has also released footage of the town of Broulee, south of Batemans Bay, as fires approach.

Emily Rithcie 5.15pm: Mogo Zoo, animals, saved

All of the animals and zookeepers at Mogo Wildlife Park in southern NSW are alive and well after a bushfire swept through the township earlier on Tuesday.

Despite fears the animals would have to be abandoned if the Clyde Mountain fire came too close, zoo director Chad Staples said the worst had now passed without any loss of life.

“The smaller animals we caught and took inside. The larger, dangerous animals – big cats, gorillas — we put them into their night houses so we could protect them there,” Mr Staples told ABC.

Rachel Baxendale 5.10pm: Navy will come into East Gippsland

Naval vessels will be among the defence equipment deployed to assist communities stranded by bushfires in East Gippsland.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Mr Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds had struck an agreement with Defence Force Chief Angus Houston on Tuesday afternoon for the immediate deployment of the vessels, as well as a fleet of aircraft including Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 5.05pm: Power out for up to a week on South Coast

Endeavour Energy has confirmed that 17,000 people on NSW’s South Coast will be without power for between 48 hours and a week after fires damaged 132 KV transmission lines.

These lines also supply Essential Energy with power, who provide electricity to homes and businesses south of Batemans Bay, one of the areas hardest hit by the fires.

Endeavour Energy regional development manager Janine Cullen told the Australian that major lines have been damaged and it may be some time before fire conditions ease enough to allow them to fix anything.

“There’s not much chance we can get patrols out tomorrow, so we’re saying 48 hours for most people but some might go a week without power.”

Endeavour Energy will update customers on the situation tomorrow.

4.25pm: Year ends with heartbreak, says PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered his New Year’s message amid ongoing bushfires around the country. Mr Morrison says the death of a firefighter on the NSW /Vic border is a heartbreaking loss. “The fires in NSW and Victoria are continuing to rage and we expect further difficult news out of both of those states,” he says

2019 closes with heartbreaking firefighter death: Prime Minister

Lachlan Moffet Gray 4.17pm: COAG should have met over fires: Albanese

Federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has called for a national response to the bushfire crisis and has criticised Prime Minister Scott Morrison for failing to hold a meeting with his state counterparts in November to discuss a strategy to combat the bushfire threat.

He said a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting should have been held between the states and the federal government instead of waiting for the next scheduled meeting in March.

“This is a national emergency and it requires a national response from the government,’’ Mr Albanese said today.

“In the middle of November I called for COAG to meet, to get a national co-ordinated response to what we saw was coming and, unfortunately, the predictions have been proven quite right.”

Mr Albanese said the government needed “to use every resource at our disposal at this time.”

“They need to be deployed in a way which assists the process and, of course, the ADF aren’t the firefighting experts, but they do have skills.”

Mr Albanese also criticised the decision to allow the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks to go ahead earlier today, saying “I understand how important the fireworks are for their economy, but I just think at a time like this – I’m not in a position to judge – but I think that it’s really problematic that it’s going ahead,” he said.

Mr Morrison confirmed that the Defence Force would assist personnel fighting fires in Victoria earlier on Tuesday.

Ellen Whinnett 4.14pm: Choppers set to fly to the rescue

The military has been called in to assist the thousands of people stranded by bushfires along Victoria’s far south-eastern coast.

The Herald Sun believes a fleet of helicopters is being prepared to assist those taking shelter on wharves and beaches around Mallacoota in East Gippsland.

Chief of the Australian Defence Force General Angus Campbell and Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke a short time ago, following a request from Premier Daniel Andrews for assistance from the Australian Defence Force.

No specifics have been released, but it’s thought the initial response will involve Defence Force helicopters being flown to areas such as Mallacoota, where up to 4000 people are stranded by the wharf and on boats.

It’s thought the aircraft could be used for both delivering vital supplies such as water, and evacuating the residents and holiday-makers trapped.

Mr Morrison has spoken to Mr Andrews and assured him that the ADF stands ready to provide whatever resources emergency service chiefs require.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister confirmed meetings were underway to plan the military response.

“The Prime Minister has spoken to the Chief of the Defence Force who confirmed that all requests for help from the ADF in Victoria and New South Wales will be met with no impact to any other area in Australia currently receiving support,’’ the spokesman said.

He said the ADF was already on the ground in NSW providing airlifts, aerial fire reconnaissance, clearing fire breaks and providing logistical support.

“The ADF are responding quickly to requests for assistance and moving their assets into place,’’ he said.

“The Prime Minister has been in regular contact with the Premier Dan Andrews and (Nationals MP for Gippsland) Darren Chester to be updated on the situation on the ground and to ensure every Commonwealth support is available to the Victorian firefighting agencies.”

Yoni Bashan 4pm: Dangerous night ahead, communication difficult

RFS boss Shane Fitzsimmons says there is a “long and dangerous night ahead” for NSW firefighters, even though the weather is easing.

“We need to brace ourselves for the considerable number of properties and homes that are likely to have been damaged or destroyed across the eight emergency warning fire areas,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“These fires have spread faster and further than the modelling and the fire weather suggested they would. It’s been a truly awful day.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that a number of phone towers had been burnt out by the bushfires, making communication difficult for people attempting to make contact with those in affected regions.

Among those caught up in the fire zone is NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who has been out of contact with his staff for several hours.

Asked about Mr Constance, the Premier said telecommunications remained an issue for thousands of people. “There are a number of people without reception,” she said, adding: “I’m concerned for the safety of everybody.”

With just hours to go until the launch of the Sydney New Years Eve fireworks, some people have queried the decision to proceed with the event, including Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

But Ms Berejiklian stood firm on the matter. “I support that decision. I feel the decision has been taken is the right decision to take, but it doesn’t take away from our empathy from people doing it tough.”

Smoke and flames rise from burning trees as bushfires hit the area around Nowra in NSW. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP
Smoke and flames rise from burning trees as bushfires hit the area around Nowra in NSW. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP

Rachel Baxendale 3.40pm: Lightning sparks new fires in Victoria

Dry lightning strikes have generated a series of new fires in the Victorian High Country, with Watch & Act alerts issued about 3pm for fires near Lake Eildon and the Howitt High Plains in the state’s north east.

Both areas are popular with campers, particularly at this time of year.

People in Howqua, Howqua Inlet, Lake Eildon and Macs Cove have been warned to leave now to avoid being in the path of a bushfire south of the Woods Point bridge near Howqua.

Those at Howitt Plains, The Bluff, Bluff Hut, Lovicks Hut, King Billy, Upper Howqua camping area and Pikes Flat camping area – places popular with hikers and campers in the Alpine National Park, have been warned to leave now to avoid a bushfire burning 500m west of Mt Lovick.

A truck driver prepares to move his vehicle through a roadblock bypass on the Princes Highway near the town of Sussex Inlet. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty
A truck driver prepares to move his vehicle through a roadblock bypass on the Princes Highway near the town of Sussex Inlet. Picture: Sam Mooy/Getty

Angelica Snowden 3.35pm: Tribute to fallen firefighter

There will be one minute’s silence for firefighter Samuel McPaul before tonight’s basketball match between the Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.

McPaul, who died fighting fire on Monday, was a basketball player, coach and administrator.

Basketball Wagga Wagga said on Tuesday: “Sam was a well known and admired member of WWBA a few years ago — as our administrator, state league player and coach he was very well respected by all who played with him or against him and those coached by him.”

Emily Ritchie 3.25pm: Deceased pair were father and son

The two men who died at Cobargo this morning were father and son.

“A third person is missing with grave concerns for their safety, west of Narooma,” the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed.

“Our message is please follow instructions.”

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said officers had found two men deceased in a house west of Cobargo in the Bega Valley. They are understood to have been a father and son.

A third person who is unaccounted for west of Narooma is an elderly male, according to Deputy Commissioner Worboys.

He, too, is said to have been trying to hold back the flames from his property early this morning.

Police are still trying to access the property in order to confirm the man’s whereabouts, however Mr Fitzsimmons said grave fears were held for his welfare.

Early suggestions are the man may be a volunteer firefighter, however Mr Fitzsimmons said that information was yet to be confirmed.

Ms Berejiklian urged people holidaying or travelling in the area to follow instructions and not do anything that would compromise their safety.

“As we have said, the conditions are not easing at this stage. We’re still experiencing or will experience hours of prolonged and dangerous conditions, especially on the South Coast and in some parts of southwestern New South Wales,” she said.

“There are also chances that fires in other parts of the state could exacerbate, given the conditions we’re experiencing.”

Seven buildings were destroyed when fire tore through the centre of Cobargo on Tuesday morning. Picture: Neil Crawley
Seven buildings were destroyed when fire tore through the centre of Cobargo on Tuesday morning. Picture: Neil Crawley

Debbie Schipp 3.15pm: Two dead in Cobargo fire

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed two people have died in horrific fires in the NSW town of Cobargo on the South Coast.

The two men were residents of the town. A third person is missing near Narooma.

The main street of Cobargo as fire ripped through on Tuesday. Picture: Twitter
The main street of Cobargo as fire ripped through on Tuesday. Picture: Twitter

Emily Ritchie 3pm: Volunteer firefighter believed among missing

A volunteer firefighter is understood to be one of the three people missing in the unrelenting NSW South Coast blazes. The man, a member of the Belowra Rural Fire Service brigade, has not been seen and is unaccounted for, sources told The Daily Telegraph.

There are serious fears for his safety. He was not on duty but is believed to have out defending properties from the out of control Badja Fire.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has said one person from Belowra and two people from Cobargo are still missing.

Belowra is a tiny hamlet of just nine people in the Snowy Monaro area.

Residents said the town was surrounded by fires and there were only two RFS trucks in town to hold back the blaze.

Locals seek refuge on the beach at the township of Malua Bay, just south of Batemans Bay, as the fire approaches. Picture: Alex Coppel
Locals seek refuge on the beach at the township of Malua Bay, just south of Batemans Bay, as the fire approaches. Picture: Alex Coppel

2.50pm: PM confirms military support

The military will help respond to fires raging through Victoria’s East Gippsland, with four people missing in the blazes that have destroyed homes. Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the military support on Tuesday afternoon, AAP reports.

“(The) federal government, especially our defence forces, are working together with the Victorian Government to respond to Victorian bushfires,” Mr Morrison wrote on Twitter.

After earlier requesting Australian Defence Force support, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said personnel may be able to make damage assessments and deliver supplies.

“Some of these isolated communities can be accessed by sea,” he told reporters. Requests for the help of 70 firefighters have also been made to Canada and the US, Mr Andrews said.

 
 

Emily Ritchie 2.45pm: Fire thunderstorm near Batemans Bay

A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire near Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast which may escalate already severe fire conditions.

The NSW RFS said a fire thunderstorm, also known as a pyro-cumulonimbus, can create “erratic winds, dry lightning and result in significantly faster fire spread”.

“There may be thunder and lightning, and erratic winds will push the fire in multiple directions,” NSW RFS said in a statement.

“This is a very dangerous situation and you need to monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action.”

The Currowan fire has already burned through over 220,000 hectares of land between Nowra in the north, Braidwood in the west, and Batemans Bay in the south.

Rachel Baxendale 2.35pm: East Gippsland evacuees seek relief

Lakes Entrance acting relief centre manager Robyn Duffy said the centre had provided meals and shelter for 2000 people over the last 24 hours, with 570 sleeping at the centre and nearby on Monday night.

Ms Duffy said fewer than 20 people remained at the centre on Tuesday afternoon, with the road to Bairnsdale reopened amid cooler weather.

She said those who had sought refuge were predominantly residents of nearby fire-affected areas, but that holiday-makers who had become stranded on their way from locations further east and north had also stayed there

David Ross 2.20pm: School destroyed

The tight-knit Clifton Creek community, about 13km west of Bruthen in East Gippsland, has been devastated after the town’s primary school burnt down.

Principal Sue Paul said the school’s double classroom, multiple purpose room, administration area and art room had all been destroyed.

It is thought the chook pen and outdoor stage escaped damage.

The school had 11 students this year with a string of staff including Ms Paul, a part-time teacher, teacher’s aide, business manager and specialist gardening, German and instrumental music teachers.

“It is absolutely devastating for the community,” Ms Paul said. “We were looking forward to 2020. We are like a family.”

Ms Paul said the school’s main focus last night was confirming all its staff and students were safe.

It is understood that the homes of a staff member and a student’s family were also destroyed.

“The community will rally together and rebuild but for now we are focusing on people and their homes,” Ms Paul said.

Clifton Primary school destroyed by fire. Picture: Supplied
Clifton Primary school destroyed by fire. Picture: Supplied

David Ross 2.20pm: Friends stranded between fires

Melbourne resident Jordyn Beazley’s New Year’s Eve party on the South Coast has gone all wrong with many of her friends stranded in Merimbula between the Mallacoota and Cobargo/Bermagui fires.

“Now I’ve got a bunch of friends that are stuck in Merimbula,” she said.

Ms Beazley was helping prepare her mum’s partner’s house in Nethercote, running hoses and sprinklers around the half-built house.

“We went into Mitre-10 to get hoses and we got the last ones,” she said.

“Everything was sold out and we went earlier than most other people, there were a lot of other people going to town to get things to defend their houses and they just won’t be able to defend.”

“We’re on water tanks — it’s so dry so we’ve only got a little bit of water left,” she said.

Her parents were camping near the Bermagui fire over the weekend before being evacuated at 7am this morning, but she said warnings hadn’t reached everyone.

“We had family friends who were camping out the back of their property and didn’t get the warning, now they’re stuck and can hear the gas cylinders exploding around them,” she said.

“If we get the alert to leave we’re going to leave but my mums partner is going to stay and defend the house.”

“If Merimbula gets evacuated we’ll have to go to the beach.”

Emily Ritchie 2.07pm: Seeking refuge in sand dunes

Siobhan Clifford, a Sydney resident whose family has been holidaying at their caravan in Lake Conjola near Ulladulla, said they have evacuated via the beach and are seeking shelter from intense winds in a sand dune.

The beachside village is only accessible by one road, which has been closed.

“We were told this morning we couldn’t leave so we’ve evacuated via the beach, walking up to Green Island to stay in a sandy and watery place away from the bush,” Ms Clifford said.

“A whole bunch of us are hiding in a sand dune until everything calms down.”

She said it was “really hot and intense” earlier on Tuesday but a southerly had since come through, pushing the fire in an opposite direction and cooling the temperature by about 10 degrees.

“That is making it a lot more bearable,” she said.

RAW: Bushfire rages near Batemans Bay as smoke pours into sky

Debbie Schipp 1.50pm: NSW latest: Worst bushfire season ever

Almost 100 blazes continue to burn across NSW on Tuesday with conditions set to deteriorate in the afternoon.

Eight fires were burning at an “emergency” level by 1pm, including the 226,000-hectare Currowan blaze on the NSW South Coast, the 31,000ha Clyde Mountain fire near Batemans Bay, the 26,000ha Green Valley fire east of Albury and the 64,000-ha Countegany fire east of Cooma Authorities are concerned that bushfires burning in Victoria could jump the border into southern NSW after being fanned by a southerly.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate on Tuesday as temperatures climb and a southerly wind change sweeps across the state.

As the fires continue their relentless march up the NSW South Coast, the RFS has confirmed the southerly change has reached Batemans Bay and significantly dropped temperatures along the coast as it moves through.

Three people are feared dead on the NSW South Coast — two in Cobargo, where fire roared through the main street, and one in the tiny township of Belowra.

Hundreds of people are sheltering on the beach as day turns to night in thick smoke at Batemans Bay.

Dozens of homes are understood to be lost. There are reports of property losses across the South Coast, including four homes in Batemans Bay. The number is expected to increase.

The RFS Commissioner has said is the worst bushfire season ever.

Mark Schliebs 1.37pm: Homes lost as fire jumps Murray

Homes are believed to have been lost in Cudgewa, in Victoria’s northeast, after a fire burning in NSW jumped the Murray River last night.

It is not known how many homes have been lost, but locals say there were at least a few affected.

The fire is now threatening other towns in the area, with an emergency warning remaining in place as it moves in a south-easterly direction “on a large front” after burning west of Walwa since Monday.

Cudgewa resident Tracey Fair and her mother managed to flee the town at about 11.30pm Monday.

Her father refused to abandon the pub he owns in the town, but managed to save the building. Ms Fair said she believed he and the town were out of danger now.

“We’ve lost phone reception to him, but the last I heard was that he was trying to catch up on some sleep because he was up all night,” Ms Fair said.

She said she saw the flames approaching the town and fled before they reached the town.

“We’ve heard that there’s 10 to 15 houses lost, but we have not seen it.”

But she said knew “for sure” of one person who had lost their home.

Her and her mother were on Tuesday trying to return to their pub and open it up for the community.

Alanah Frost 1.34pm: Update from Mallacoota, Vic

The latest update from the State Control Centre is that two bushfires are continuing to burn out of control near Mallacoota.

The Wingan River fire is burning across 72,898 ha and has impacted the township.

A second fire is travelling south-east from Goongerah.

Holiday-maker Kammeron Cran said the conditions were “still very smoky and the wind seems to change direction constantly and it’s strong.”

“There are houses going up everywhere apparently,” she said.

“(At) Terra Nova and Bastion Point I think.

“My partner Ben and friends Brendan and Anton have walked up to the Foreshore caravan park and are putting out spot fires up there with hoses and buckets.”

Houses have been razed along Terra Nova Drive, Mallacoota, in East Gippsland. Pictures: Luke McCrone.
Houses have been razed along Terra Nova Drive, Mallacoota, in East Gippsland. Pictures: Luke McCrone.

Emily Ritchie 1.25pm: NSW South Coast evacuations

NSW evacuation centres are starting to see “unbelievable numbers” of evacuees, with almost 5000 people seeking shelter at Bermagui surf club on the state’s South Coast.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said Bermagui surf club was catering to almost 5000 evacuees, while 500 people were sheltering at Broulee surf club and a further 150 at Tathra.

Residents and holidaymakers in the area are sheltering from the 29,000-hectare Badja Forest Road bushfire, as smoke and ash from the blaze turned the sky black earlier this morning.

“If you are in the area of Bermagui, Regatta Point, Wallaga Lake and Wallaga Lake Heights, it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire,” a warning from the NSW RFS said.

Hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled at least seven emergency-level blazes and another seven ‘watch and act’-level fires. There are 100 fires currently burning across the state, 60 of them uncontained and burning out of control.

Further north there are reports of forty houses alight near Ulladulla and of residents being evacuated at Lake Conjola.

Residents in Lake Conjola have been evacuated to the beach. Picture: Twitter
Residents in Lake Conjola have been evacuated to the beach. Picture: Twitter

Ellen Whinnett 1.17pm: ‘Monster’ heads to town of Corryong

Phone, electricity and internet services have gone down in the town of Corryong, 120km southeast of Albury, and all roads have been cut off as a monster bushfire approaches from the northwest.

Hundreds of people are gathered in an emergency evacuation centre at Corryong College, with authorities warning people to immediately take shelter inside.

Family members told the Herald Sun they spoke to residents mid-morning, who advised they were taking shelter at the college. Photos posted to social media show flames on the edge of the town, which has a population of around 1300 people. Fire trucks are photographed at the scene.

Areas to the south and west of the town are under ember attack, while the fire that started up near the border town of Walwa is now burning on the edges of Corryong.

Emily Ritchie 1.10pm: Fears for animals at South Coast’s Mogo Zoo

Grave concerns are held for Mogo Zoo on the NSW South Coast which is in a direct line of the Clyde Mountain fire currently razing the region.

All the animals at the world famous zoo have reportedly been locked up inside instead of being evacuated, with the sprinklers keeping it as wet as possible.

A number of staff from nearby Batemans Bay were unable to reach the site due to fire danger but those that did are currently working to prepare the zoo.

The zoo is just a five-minute drive from Mogo village itself where a number of businesses including the popular Mogo Lolly Shop have been evacuated.

The bushfire is currently burning on the other side of Tomakin Road, away from the zoo.

Mogo Zoo is home to Australia’s largest collection of primates as well as a number of animals including zebras, southern white rhinos, giraffes and red pandas.

Sally Padey, who built the zoo but sold it recently, said she was heartbroken.

“I hope they are going to be OK,” Ms Padey told The Daily Telegraph.

“It’s the worst thing to happen in the history of Mogo Zoo.”

Firefighters are trying to save the town of Mogo where a local said there were fears the service station would blow up.

The RFS has warned that some of the fires burning between Cooma, Bega and Batemans Bay “pose a serious threat to life”.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has warned the current situation is “very serious and very dangerous” in NSW.

“We are seeing for example a major centre like Batemans Bay, we’re seeing the fire burn right out across the Princes Highway, through towards the coastal areas of Batemans Bay, in and around the outer rim there,” he said.

“We’re seeing the southerly change now pushing that back towards those along the river frontage there, back towards the bridge. We’ve seen the fire spread down particularly through places like Cobargo and further south of Batemans Bay also, places like Mogo and Broulee a little further.”

Shelley Hadfield 12.55pm: Victorians flee fires for Eden

The town of Eden in NSW’s far-South Coast has been inundated with Victorian holiday makers who fled across the border from fire-threatened Mallacoota.

Roads in and out of Eden have now been closed with smoke haze filling the coastal town.

SES volunteers are directing people to the town oval and the local school has also opened their oval to accommodate the overflow of visitors seeking refuge.

Displaced families were also “doubling up” at a local caravan park, the Herald Sun was told.

Coles supermarket – the only major supermarket in town – was at risk of running out of food as locals and tourists alike rush to stock up on supplies.

Manager Kim said the store was struggling to cope with the influx of people and made the decision to close every half hour to get people out of the store.

“We’ve got people lining up,

“They’re buying everything, we’re gonna sell out of milk,” she said.

Food delivery trucks were unable to get into Eden on Tuesday morning as the roads were shut and Kim said she was concerned the same may occur tomorrow.

Nearby IGA was also flooded with people scrambling to stock up.

Kim said the smoke haze was so thick you could not see past 100m.

“We’re OK at the moment but all the roads in and out of town are closed,”

“There’s not a lot we can do,” she said.

Another Eden resident, Lynne, said the advice was to “stay put and head to the water”.

“The worst thing you can have is everyone on the roads at the moment,” Lynne said, adding some Victorians were attempting to return to Melbourne via Canberra.

Victoria’s Emergency Services Commission Andrew Crisp said holiday-makers on the move needed to keep abreast of local information and conditions.

“If people have moved (east) out of Victoria and there was some talk about some going actually the long way up to Canberra and then back it back into Victoria.

“It doesn’t matter when you’re in Victoria or New South Wales it’s about staying across local conditions, and again New South Wales has a system of providing warnings so people need to stay across their local conditions, access information and make decisions.’’

Mark Schliebs 12.45pm: Spotfires in Vic’s north-east

Spotfires have broken out 10 kilometres from a firefront in Victoria’s northeast, where an emergency warning has been in place since last night.

The fire, which started near the border town of Walwa, is travelling in a south-easterly direction.

“The large bushfire that started west south-west of Walwa that is not yet under control,” Vic Emergency said in a warning issued at 12.24pm Tuesday. “The bushfire travelled in a south-easterly direction on a large front.

This fire is threatening homes and lives. Bushfire embers are impacting properties south and west of Corryong. Spotfires are starting up to 10km’s from the fire front at Tom Groggin.

“The western flank of this fire is now active in the Burrowye area.”

Emily Ritchie 12.35pm: Three ‘potential’ fatalities on South Coast

There have been three potential fatalities on the NSW south-coast as bushfires ravage the region, with NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons confirming this is the worst bushfire season the state has ever recorded.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said there were reports of three people missing in the Cobargo and Belowra areas south of Batemans Bay.

“We are getting preliminary reports that there are three people unaccounted for and the potential for three fatalities as a result of these fires burning on the South Coast,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said in his midday update on Tuesday.

“Two people in Cobargo and another out at Belowra.”

He also said the RFS was receiving reports of a “significant impact” to properties in Cobargo and other parts of south-eastern NSW, with numbers so far looking “in the dozens”.

“The estimates I can see through the reports coming from the field is that we’re talking about the buildings being impacted, damaged or destroyed numbering in the dozens across these various fire grounds.”

So far there are four homes confirmed as lost in Batemans Bay as residents and holidaymakers seek shelter at the beach.

As firefighters prepare for a southerly change to impact firegrounds, Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the volatile and unpredictable winds have made it difficult to use aircraft to battle the fires that have already had major impact on numerous towns along the South Coast.

“We are seeing with the volatility of the winds and the erratic nature of the winds coupled with limited visibility that aircraft usage is proving to be very difficult and very limited across a number of these fire grounds,” he said.

“Having said that, we’ve seen clear passage with a lot of the large machines and other aircraft working in and around the communities of Batemans Bay.”

He said, while there hasn’t been any escalation or spread in the fires burning north-west of Sydney like the massive Gospers Mountain blaze, changing conditions meant escalation “couldn’t be ruled out” for Tuesday afternoon.

He said he was glad there had been “strong, decisive and positive responses” from the people in affected areas.

Twitter picture taken by Alastair Prior as people gather together at an evacuation centre on the beach at Batemans Bay. Picture: Twitter/@alastairprior
Twitter picture taken by Alastair Prior as people gather together at an evacuation centre on the beach at Batemans Bay. Picture: Twitter/@alastairprior

Adeshola Ore, 12.30pm ‘Feels like the end of the world’

Ellie Morello, a resident of Batemans Bay has evacuated to Corrigans Beach, in Batehaven where her family owns a motel.

“The sky outside is so red and it’s blowing a gale.”

“It’s terrifying. Just in the past 20 minutes it’s gotten so dark and smoky and red. You can barely see 20 metres. And we are right by the ocean. The town is kilometres back behind us and it feels like the whole town is going to be destroyed. It feels like the end of the world.”

The RFS have booked out over 100 beds for emergency evacuees at the family’s motel, with the family helping elderly residents inside to escape the heat.

“It’s nowhere near enough for even a quarter of the people in this region. We’ve got hundreds of cars in the carpark across the road from our motel, people just sheltering in their cars.”

She said the roads are backed up with cars, with people walking past and trying to get into rooms.

Rachel Baxendale, 12.23pm We’ve lost a lot of homes: East Gippsland MP

State Member for East Gippsland Tim Bull said the fire had come within 400m of his property at Nicholson, east of Bairnsdale, and he had watched his neighbour’s house burn down at midnight.

“There was nothing we could do. It was pretty ordinary,” the Nationals MP said.

“We’ve had a rough night. There’s no doubt about that. We’ve lost a lot of homes.”

Mr Bull said he understood homes had been lost in Clifton Creek, Sarsfield, Nicholson and Buchan.

“There are a couple going in Mallacoota as we speak. Bonang’s another area that’s not far from being impacted,” he said.

David Ross 12.05pm Skies cleared for water bombers

A South Coast chartered flights owner and pilot told The Australian smoke on the South Coast was thankfully not so thick as to prevent flights yet, as water bombers scoop water from the Moruya river to fill up and several others filling up at the Moruya airport.

Sheldon Jones, owner of Merit Aviation, said he wasn’t running flights today out of the airport to keep the sky clear for the fire bombers.

“We don’t want people flying around getting in the way,” he said.

“With the roads closed I think we’re going to be fairly busy flying people out of town.”

Mr Jones said the fire was only 10km away and RFS warnings had just sounded in Moruya.

Stephen Lunn 11.55am: Mallacoota: ‘You’d be crazy to move yet’

Dave Jeffrey, owner of the Wave Oasis B&B in Mallacoota, said thousands of people on the beach had been ready to jump into the water behind a large rock wall to avoid the fire bearing down on the town.

After the sky had turned “black as midnight” earlier this morning, it turned red, which Mr Jeffrey told ABC News 24 was a sign the air was clearing.

But the danger had not yet passed, he said. “Everyone is staying put at the moment. You’d be crazy to move yet.”

Rachel Baxendale 11.45am: East Gippsland evacuees take refuge in Bairnsdale

Hundreds of East Gippsland residents and their pets have sought refuge at an evacuation centre at the Bairnsdale football pavilion, with more than 200 horses being sheltered at the sale yards next door.

Retiree Barry Wear, 72, evacuated from Sarsfield — where a number of houses are believed to have been lost — in his caravan with his pet beagle Snow Pea and dalmatian Domino.

“The Sarsfield fire chief lives in the next road to us,” Mr Wear said.

“He had a meeting with residents on Sunday and I decided to leave then.

“Even from here in Bairnsdale you could see plumes of smoke like atomic bombs, and they were in (the direction of my house).”

Mr Wear said he had been expecting to hear the worst of his A-frame cedar house, but had received good news from a neighbour on Tuesday morning.

“He couldn’t get any further than my place, but it’s still there.”

Mr Wear said he understood many houses on the adjacent road to his had been destroyed and residents were still on edge.

Noni Hayes, her six-year-old daughter Zara, and her brother Robert Jackson had evacuated to Bairnsdale from their property at Bumberrah, between Tambo Upper and Swan Reach, with two kittens, a cat, six dogs, five chickens and a budgie.

“We can get to Swan Reach, but not down our road, so we’re just going to hang out here until we can go back,” Ms Hayes said.

Federal MP for Gippsland Darren Chester said burnt leaves fell in Lakes Entrance overnight, and dry lightning had started more fires in the area between Bruthen and the coast, as well as near Lake Tyers.

The community is bracing itself for bad news, with extensive property losses expected to be confirmed in coming days.

The Australian understands Sarsfield, Buchan, Nicholson, Orbost and Wairewa are among the towns where properties have been lost.

31/12/19 Sarsfield resident Barry Wear with his dogs Domino, right, and Snow Pea at the bushfire relief centre in Bairnsdale. Aaron Francis/The Australian
31/12/19 Sarsfield resident Barry Wear with his dogs Domino, right, and Snow Pea at the bushfire relief centre in Bairnsdale. Aaron Francis/The Australian

Debbie Schipp 11.45am: Evacuees flee to beach at Batemans Bay

At Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, evacuees are on the beach as smoke turns the skies red and conditions deteriorate.

Residents and holidaymakers have been told its too late to leave.

As they take refuge on the beach, fire fighting helicopters are scooping up water to fight the fires.

In Mossy Point, Tomakin and Broulee people have been told to get to Candlegan Creek which is a local designated meeting place.

Sunday telegraph columnist Annette Sharp, holidaying in Broulee, near Batemans Bay, says her family was told 90 minutes ago it’s too late to leave, and it was time to look for shelter.

“It’s so dark, the smoke has reduced visibility so much, it feels like 8pm,” she told The Daily Telegraph.”

Mark Schliebs 11.35am: Explosions, roar of fire fills Mallacoota

Fire firefighters have rushed through the east Gippsland town of Mallacoota as thousands of people taking shelter at its beach listen to the fire roar and gas bottles explode.

Thousands have taken refuge at the town’s wharf.

“I’m hearing multiple gas cylinders exploding in the township,” one man, Mark, told ABC Gippsland from the town’s boat ramp. “I don’t know where, I don’t know which areas, but I probably heard I’d say anywhere between 12 to 15 cylinders going off.

“None of the CFA trucks are down the boat ramp. I daresay they are all out fighting fires and they’re just coming in to refuel from the pump.

“Some people actually got into their boats and went across the other side of the lake to try and wait out the fire. We thought about doing that ourselves in our boat.”

Another man, Graham, told the radio station he spent the night on his boat but has since returned to the middle of town.

He said he heard a “pretty big explosion”, but that “right now it appears that the worst of it is over in the centre of Mallacoota”.

“It could be still crazy over at Karbeethong and I have no doubt that this fire will jump the lake and continue on through the national park and over the border – that would be my opinion,” he said.

Mallacoota residents Martin and Mariska Ascher have had little to no sleep in 48 hours, and were hearing gas bottles exploding nearby as they spoke to The Australian.

“It is terrible. We’ve had dark skies. At 7am this morning, the sky was completely black,” Ms Ascher said.

“We had the fireys come, saying we should be leaving. We said no, we’ll be OK.”

She said daylight shone through the smoke at about 6am Tuesday, but it only lasted 30 minutes.

Mr Ascher said it changed quickly.

“It went darker than a night with no moon,” he said.

“The birds came out. They were all flying around, while I was watering the deck. The birds were landing on me. They were completely confused.

They saw embers at their property early Tuesday, but said there were not many of them.

The scene on the wharf at Mallacoota, where thousands are taking refuge. Picture: Twitter@BradleyWDeacon
The scene on the wharf at Mallacoota, where thousands are taking refuge. Picture: Twitter@BradleyWDeacon

Stephen Lunn 11.25am: Four missing in bushfires in East Gippsland

Four people are unaccounted for in the East Gippsland bushfires, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed.

“We can’t confirm their whereabouts,” he said in a news conference updating the fires situation across his state. “We do have very real fears for their safety. They have been in active fire environments.”

Mr Andrews said he would speak to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the next hour to request support from the Australian Defence Force to help emergency efforts as the bushfire crisis develops.

Mr Andrews told a news conference he had exchanged texts with Mr Morrison, and was in discussions with the ADF about what logistical support they could provide.

He said particular equipment, such as larger helicopters and naval craft, might be deployed in areas of need.

Access by sea had been under discussion, given up to 4000 people are currently sheltering on the beach at Mallacoota as the fires bear down on the coastal town.

Mr Andrews said there were ongoing active fire threats in the Corryong and Mallacoota regions, and there had been significant losses of property, stock, fencing and shedding across the East Gippsland region.

More than 200,000 hectares had burnt or was burning across East Gippsland, Victoria’s emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

At a news conference updating the current state of the fires across the state, Mr Crisp said there had been “significant property losses” across towns such as Sarsfield, Bruthen and Buchan in the East Gippsland region.

He said a number of communities had been isolated after roads had been closed, and emergency efforts would now focus on supporting these communities.

“Some of these people might have to be helicoptered out,” Mr Crisp said

Adeshola Ore 11.15am: ‘The sky was black’: Bermagui local

Toby Evans, 53, has returned to his home in north Bermagui after evacuating this morning, but said his family is ready to leave again if the weather changes.

“When we evacuated this morning the sky was black. You had to have your lights on or you could of run over someone.”

He said the air is still thick with smoke and falling and ash, but the temperature drop to 18 degrees with a southerly change has given residents respite.

Mr. Evans said those who have evacuated, including tourists, are gathering at the Bermagui Surf Life Saving Club.

David Ross 11.10am: NSW: Eight emergency warnings in place

Eight emergency warnings are in place in NSW as bushfires sweeping the South Coast of NSW have cut off the Bega Valley from the north, south and east.

Fires burning in Gippsland Victoria have crossed the border and will move north into NSW today.

An out of control fire is burning in Werri Berri in the north of the Bega Valley

The RFS is warning anyone in coastal areas east of the Princes Highway from Bateman’s Bay to Broulee it is too late to leave.

In some towns residents are sheltering on the beach to escape the flames and smoke.

People attempting to leave Ulladulla face traffic backlogs for up to 10km heading north, but fires have now cut the Princes Highway from Jerrawangla to Ulladulla.

Leanee Robinson, traffic attendant at a local petrol station in Ulladula said traffic was few and far between.

“I had a customer coming in and they said it looked like they were going to close the road,” she said. “It’s closed both directions, it looks pretty bad, it looks very orange and there’s heaps of black smoke.”

Mark Schliebs 11.05am: Gas bottles explode at Mallacoota

There are extraordinary scenes in the east Gippsland town of Mallacoota, with the sky blood-red and gas bottles exploding while up to 4000 people have taken to the beach to shelter.

Authorities warned at 8.30am Tuesday morning that the “fire front is predicted to impact the Mallacoota township within the next 30 minutes”.

“It is too late to leave, the safest option is to shelter indoors.”

Some residents have taken shelter in their boats, and have watched as the fire began to hit the town.

Fire is in town now

Posted by Jann Gilbert on Monday, 30 December 2019

Rachel Baxendale 10.45am: Embers drop at Mallacoota, 5000 seek refuge at boat ramp

Mallacoota resident Mark said approximately 5000 people had sought refuge at the town’s boat ramp and evacuation centre as fire hit the town.

“It was pitch black up to five minutes ago. Now half the sky is basically red,” Mark told ABC radio shortly before 10am on Tuesday.

“We’re starting to get embers dropping out of the sky. The wind is coming directly at us from the west.

“Everyone’s about as prepped and ready as they can be. The CFA have a pump that’s already pumping water in the area and we’ve got both ambulance and fire appliances patrolling around the area to put out any spot fires.

“At the moment visibility is reduced probably to about 50 metres. Looking towards the west from the boat ramp we just see a red glow. I can’t see any flames at the moment.”

Mark said he had heard unconfirmed reports his house in Mallacoota had burnt down.

“We managed to fill a trailer with all of our photos, pictures, passports, marriage certificates and that kind of thing, and that’s down here with us covered in the caravan park,” he said. “We’ve also got the camper trailer with us so if worst comes to worst and we go home and we don’t have a home then we’ll be able to camp out in the trailer.

“I was happy to know that my wife just redid my home insurance not that long ago, so that’s what insurance is for.

“It’s a pity to lose your house if that’s happened, but I”m not moving from where I am at the moment in order to find out exactly how it is.”

Gippsland Fires People gathered on Mallacoota wharf Picture: Twitter/@bluesfestblues
Gippsland Fires People gathered on Mallacoota wharf Picture: Twitter/@bluesfestblues

Matthew Denholm 10.40am: Tasmanian fires: buildings lost

Tasmanian firefighters are still assessing the damage from four emergency bushfires that threatened communities overnight Monday, but say a number of buildings have been destroyed.

Four emergency blazes harassed communities, including at Pelham and Elderslie, in the Upper Derwent Valley, and near Fingal, in the northeast, overnight, before a cool change eased conditions.

More than 400 lightning strikes on land threatened to spark new fires but as of Tuesday morning only one such further blaze had been detected as active, near the Swan River on the East Coast.

Tasmanian Fire Service chief officer Chris Arnol said dozens of homes had been saved by firefighters but it was likely some buildings, potentially including homes, had been destroyed.

“A handful (of buildings destroyed) is what I’ve got in initial reports,” Mr Arnol told reporters, adding that assessments were still being undertaken.

Both the major bushfires — Pelham and Fingal — had been started by lightning strikes and had burned more than 1000 ha each.

About nine people registered with an evacuation centre in Bridgewater, north of Hobart, and 11 at a similar facility in St Helens, in the state’s northeast. No injuries were reported.

Conditions have eased and there were no emergency fires as of midmorning Tuesday. However, the fire danger is expected to rise with climbing temperatures on Saturday, albeit briefly before a further cool change.

At its peak, about 120 fireys were battling the Pelham fire and about 60 the Fingal blaze. The several storm fronts that crossed Tasmania late Monday and overnight also brought strong winds that left thousands without power.

Debbie Schipp 10.35am: Victorian update: power cuts, seven emergency warnings

It’s midmorning, and there are currently seven emergency warnings for fires in Victoria’s east Gippsland, and another for a fire straddling the NSW-Victorian border at Corryong/Walwa.

The coastal holiday town of Mallacoota is among those under direct threat, with about 4000 people believed to still be in the area being told to go into the water to seek refuge.

The skies are pitch black.

Thousands of properties are without power, with AusNet Services reporting electricity has gone out at 5700 properties in East Gippsland and another 1800 in northeast Victoria.

Optus says its mobile customers may be experiencing disruptions in Tambo Crossing, Mallacoota, Cann River, Tonight Creek, Mt Raymond, Marlo, Orbost, Waygarra and Mt Nowa.

Emily Ritchie 10.25am: Firefighter’s death ‘unimaginable’: PM

Scott Morrison has expressed his “deepest sympathies” over the death of volunteer firefighter Sam McPaul at the Green Valley fire in NSW overnight, saying he was “one of the best of us”.

The prime minister said McPaul, a 28-year-old father-to-be, was a “brave firefighter” whose loss was “unimaginable” for the country.

“In one of the cruellest developments, Sam and his wife Megan are due to have their first baby next year,” Mr Morrison said in a statement.

“I cannot imagine the terrible sense of loss and grief that Sam’s family are now feeling.”

He said he has spoken to Sam’s wife Megan “to extend my deepest sympathies and our love and support at this terrible time and express that same sentiment on behalf of the entire country”.

“Sam McPaul was the best of us,” he said.

He also offered his thoughts to the three firefighters injured in the same accident.

“They were doing what thousands of other volunteer firefighters are doing around Australia, and have been doing for months – selflessly and bravely protecting their local communities. For that, the nation is incredibly grateful,” Mr Morrison said.

“Our thoughts are with these brave firefighters and their families in this difficult time. We wish those in hospital a fast and full recovery.

“To those fighting these fires; please be safe, and continue to pull together in this difficult time,” he said. “Your country is behind you every step of the way.”

Debbie Schipp 10.20am: Sky turns black at Bermagui

Surreal footage has emerged from the South Coast at Bermagui, where it’s pitch dark, and those in the area have fled to the coast. Evacuations are continuing from residences and holiday homes in the area, with “the whole town” taking shelter at the beach, reports say.

ere are reportedly 5000 people at the evacuation centre in the town.

They’re being asked to register their names at the local surf club where food a water is being handed out. And the then they’re being given on simple direction: stay put.

Rachel Baxendale 10.15am: Mallacoota ‘pitch black’ at 10am

Mallacoota community radio station broadcaster Francesca Winterson said it was “pitch black” in the middle of Mallacoota shortly before 10am on Tuesday.

“The emergency signals have been sounded. We’ve seen a lot of ember attack. We’ve got an extremely severe gusting wind at the moment,” Ms Winterson said.

“I’m just looking at my updates that I’ve just received from Vic Emergency, and they’re telling me here that one fire — there are two with us at the moment — one is currently travelling from Wingan River in an easterly direction towards Karbeethong, which is around the other side of the lake from the town, and the fire front is predicted to impact the Mallacoota township now, which it is doing, and we’re just waiting to see where the embers, the embers are starting to fall in the centre of town.”

Campers under siege at Mallacoota

David Ross 10.10am: Ember attacks, NSW South Coast road closures

There are reports the fire has jumped Ridge Road, just south of Batemans Bay and is heading to the Surf Beach, Catalina.

There are wind gusts 60km/h and heavy ember attack.

There are also reports houses have been destroyed at Cobargo.

Bermagui is also reportedly being threatened by fire.

NSW residents have been advised to avoid “non-essential travel” as more roads may close across the state as today’s fires worsen.

The Great Western Highway, the Hume Motorway are likely to close.

The Princes Highway has been cut off south of Batemans Bay in NSW, the RFS has advised holidaymakers it is too late to leave the area but if it safe to do so to head towards larger towns or the beach.

The Kings Highway between Narranghi Road and Reid Street is closed due to fire.

Traffic is currently backed up for 7km heading north out of Ulladulla along the Princes Highway.

The Cobargo to Brogo stretch of the Princes Highway is also closed due to fire as is the Princes Highway between Imlay Road and the Victorian Border heading into East Gippsland

The Snowy Mountains Highway between the Monaro Highway and the Princes Highway is currently closed due to fire.

This has cut off the Bega Valley in almost all directions.

Braidwood Road/ Nerriga Road between Albatross Road and Stewarts Crossing Road is closed due to fire.

David Ross 10am: Road closures in East Gippsland

In Victoria the Princes Highway is cut from Swan Reach Road, East of Bairnsdale in East Gippsland for its entire length to the NSW border and beyond as fires in East Gippsland have now crossed the NSW border.

The Monaro Highway is closed from Cann River in East Gippsland and Imlay Road in NSW.

Bonang Road/Bonang Highway is closed along its entire stretch all the way to the NSW border.

The Great Alpine Road is closed from Bairnsdale to Ensay.

VicRoads is advising motorists if they’re intending to travel to NSW today to take the Hume Highway.

A Vicroads spokesman said roads may remain closed once the fire has passed due to risks of unsafe road surfaces. He said road crews will prioritise assessing and repairing fire damage on main roads.

You don’t want to be in the path of this fire: Fitzsimmons issues advice to coastal communities

Rachel Baxendale 9.50am: Strike teams on beach at Mallacoota

Three strike teams are in place to protect people on the beach at Mallacoota in the far east of Victoria’s Gippsland region as fire hits the western edge of the holiday town and residents in towns to the west learn of extensive property losses overnight.

Shortly after 9am on Tuesday, State Control Centre spokesman Luke Heggarty said the fire was expected to hit the town within the next 30 minutes.

Rachel Baxendale 9.45am: Properties lost in East Gippsland

State Control Centre spokesman Luke Heggarty says properties have been lost, but authorities were not yet in a position to confirm the locations of the losses.

The Australian understands Buchan, Sarsfield and Orbost are among the towns where properties have been lost.

“At the moment we’re working on gathering that information. We know that that’s a really critical piece of information that the community are waiting to hear from us,” Mr Heggarty told ABC radio.

“Our focus today is gathering that intelligence both from our crews on the ground, but also starting to make it safe to go in and take proper impact assessment work, so that means we’ve got to clear the roads, clear the trees, make it safe for our crews to get in there and undertake the detailed impact assessment, so we don’t have that information yet, but we know that there has been impacts across the region, and we’ll work with communities today to provide them with that information as it becomes available.”

Debbie Schipp 9.35am: Forced into the sea as fire rages

In east Gippsland, fire has hit the Victorian coastal holiday town of Mallacoota, and people are being told to go into the water as warning sirens sound.

Authorities believe about 4000 people are still at Mallacoota, which is being hit by fire about 8.30am on Tuesday, AAP reports.

“Everyone is hopefully down on the foreshore in the water,” Don Ashby told ABC on Tuesday morning as emergency sirens sounded.

The fire has cut power to the town, with AusNet Services reporting 5700 properties in East Gippsland without electricity due to the fires, and another 1800 in northeast Victoria also down.

Mobile and landline phone lines are also down in parts.

Properties have been lost in Victoria’s east as out-of-control bushfires rage, but it’s too early to confirm how many, Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp says.

The fires grew rapidly overnight due to winds and lightning strikes and have ripped through more than 200,000 hectares in Victoria’s East Gippsland, it was estimated early on Tuesday morning.

Seven emergency warnings, the highest alert, remain in place across East Gippsland and there is another in place for a fire straddling the northeast Victoria-NSW border at Walwa/Corryong.

Debbie Schipp 9.30am: NSW danger acute, every fire front a threat to life

As multiple catastrophic fires burn in NSW and Victoria, the danger is acute, and the “dangerous and volatile” situation will only get worse.

. Properties have been lost and thousands or residents and tourists evacuated and sheltering in Victorian and southern NSW in towns ringed by fire. The RFS warns the “dangerous and volatile” situation will worsen. Father-to-be Samuel McPaul has been named as the third firefighter to die in two weeks.

Extreme fire danger is forecast for the Southern Ranges, Illawarra and ACT on New Year’s Eve while surrounding regions – including Sydney, the Hunter and the far South Coast – are set for severe fire danger.

Strong westerly winds are expected, pushing fires east and placing coastal communities and holiday hotspots under threat.

The NSW Rural Fire Service said members of bushfire-prone communities near Batemans Bay and Bega should move to large towns away from bushland by 8am.

Total fire bans are in place for more than half of the state’s 21 fire districts including Sydney. Five blazes were on Tuesday at emergency level — one in the Snowy Valleys and the remainder around Bega and Batemans Bay. The RFS on Tuesday said those fires “pose a serious threat to life” and motorists have been advised to avoid all non-essential travel, while stretches of the Princes Highway and Monaro Highway are shut.

The Dunns Road fire near Tumut and the Badja Forest Rd fire near Cooma appear set to be among the blazes to expand most significantly.

Paying tribute to Mr McPaul, NSW Premier Gladys said he died in “very, very difficult circumstances”.

“The RFS has lost another member of its family, a young man fighting fires in his local community,” she said.

“This brings home to us what NSW is going through — every fire front is a threat to life, a threat to people’s life as they know it.”

Almost 100 blazes continue to burn across NSW, with dozens uncontained

EARLIER:

Overnight, thousands of people in Victoria’s far east braced for a dangerous wind change early as fast-moving bushfires could open new fronts and ­increase the threat to homes and lives.

Up to 30 out-of-control fires across East Gippsland were burning late into the night, with strong winds rapidly propelling blazes ­towards towns and coastal villages, including Bruthen and Lakes Entrance, where thousands of holidaymakers were trapped after defying earlier warnings to get out.

After a horror day on Monday, large tracts of NSW, South Australia and Tasmania also ­remain in the grip of the bushfire crisis, with homes under threat in those states, ahead of worsening weather conditions this week.

— additional reporting: Mark Schliebs, Stephen Lunn, David Ross, Adeshola Ore, AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/bushfires-emergency-more-lives-threatened-as-fires-rage-in-nsw-victoria/news-story/28e11f0bd55c6390681e1439b0d6353e