Bushfires reach Batemans Bay
Fire has reached parts of Batemans Bay as widespread power and internet outages hit the area.
The evacuation point for Batemans Bay residents, the Hanging Rock Sports Club Function Centre, on Tuesday morning. Picture: Diana Streak
The Homemaker Centre was on fire this afternoon, and there are reports of dozens of homes lost just south of Batemans Bay.
Multiple businesses at the town's industrial areas have been lost.
The town has been in darkness for much of the day and without electricity.
A reader sent us this video, showing firefighters working to save buildings at the Homemaker Centre in Batemans Bay this afternoon https://t.co/nkBocA1s2fpic.twitter.com/pAs7fKObRE
— Kate McIlwain (@kmcilwain) December 31, 2019
Hundreds have evacuated to the beach.
The SES headquarters shed in Batemans Bay has reportedly been lost.
There reports of widespread property losses at towns including Mogo, Surf Beach and Rosedale and Tomakin.
NSW Rural Fire Service vision showed fire burning throughout the town of Broulee in the middle of the day.
A strong southerly change is expected which would push the Clyde Mountain fire in a northerly direction.
Corrigans Beach just turned incredibly dark and red. Photo doesn’t do it justice. Terrifying. Not sure if we are even safe here (by the beach) anymore. The town of Batemans Bay, 20,000 people, is on fire. #NSWfirespic.twitter.com/83grVddl1s
— Ellie Morello (@elliebmorello) December 31, 2019
It is more than 60,000 hectares in size and is out of control.
The Rural Fire Service was not able to provide information on the extent of property lost on the South Coast on Tuesday.