- Check the NSW RFS website for updates.
7.50pm:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
7.26pm: Fire crews have commenced back burning operations in a bid to assist in containing the fire, which has burnt out about 353 hectares.
7.15pm: A Very High Fire Danger has been declared for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Forecast Districts from midnight tonight for 24 hours. Any resident with a permit issued by the NSW Rural Fire Service will need to cease burning for that period.
Bolong Road fire: Shoalhaven Heads Road has been temporarily closed in one direction due to smoke impact over the road.
Videos of the Honeymoon Bay Fire. The fire has now crossed Lighthouse Road. Videos: John Kerr - Culburra RFB
Holidaymakers evacuated as bushfire burns at Jervis Bay
Hazard reduction burning is thought to have caused a bushfire at Jervis Bay, leading to holidaymakers being evacuated.
The out-of-control fire has burnt 80 hectares on the Beecroft Peninsula since it started just after 2pm.
At 5.30pm the fire was moving east, crossing Lighthouse Road which has been closed.
Several fishermen and sightseers at Point Perpendicular, on the southern tip of the peninsula, were told by Department of Defence guards to evacuate the area.
There is no camping or accommodation in the area and no properties are under threat.
Witnesses said flames were clearly visible from across Jervis Bay as thick black smoke rose from the blaze.
It is understood the fire began when Defence staff were conducting hazard reduction burning and the fire broke containment lines.
A NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) spokesman said a helicopter would be used to dump water on the southern edge of the fire. This is expected to get the fire contained.
Since the fire is heading east, towards the ocean, it is expected to soon run out of fuel and help with containment.
Five Rural Fire Service trucks and 20 firefighters are on the scene.
The Department of Defence has been contacted for comment.
- Georgina Mitchell
Earlier: NSW RFS have a sent a helicopter to the Beecroft Peninsula fire near Currarong.
The fire is moving from Honeymoon Bay towards Lighthouse Road.
The fire is burning in inaccessible country near Honeymoon Bay. NSW RFS crews are currently on scene and containment strategies are in place.
There are no current threats to property or campers.
The Peninsula is currently closed and has been evacuated as a precaution.
The fire currently burning is not part of the planned, upcoming hazard reduction.