Tourist encouraged to return to the Shoalhaven

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Tourists encouraged to return to the Shoalhaven

11 January 2020

Tourists are encouraged to start returning to the villages and towns along the Shoalhaven coast as weather conditions improve.

The Currowan fire has been burning in the Shoalhaven area for the past six weeks, reaching over 300,700 hectares in size and significantly affecting the local residents and communities.

Friday’s hot and windy conditions caused a number of flare ups 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 Emergency Operations Controller Inspector Dave Cockram and Incident Controller Superintendent Mark Williams would like to encourage visitors to return to the area and help the communities get back on their feet.

Supt Mark Williams said “Firefighters and support agencies will continue work to contain and recover from the Currowan fire 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 Shoalhaven we ask that you stay up to date using Fires Near Me and Live Traffic applications”.

Insp Dave Cockram from the 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.

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  • 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.