Fire crews are gathered ready to defend the heritage villages of Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba on Saturday, February 1.
The lovely timber buildings in the CBD are a treasure for the whole Far South Coast, as is the sacred Gulaga mountain that forms a dramatic backdrop.
Tilba resident Ron Snape supplied the picture below, taken in 1952 when fire threatened Tilba Tilba.
Longtime resident Harry Bate said four homes were burned down then in the district "including one hidden by smoke on the left of this photo".
This photo is published with thanks to Roasalie Lucas, the author of Greenacres.
Nobody wants history to repeat itself in 2020 and firefighters are on high alert to protect the area.
Rural Fire Service Inspector Kelwyn White said crews were ready to defend if the fire in surrounding areas escalated.
"There is concern for the Tilba area because of its heritage value and those beautiful old buildings, which will make them harder to potentially defend than another suburb," she said.
The Eurobodalla Emergency Operations Centre had spoken to businesses, who had agreed it was best not to trade on February 1.
"The roads are closed so people do not hamper efforts of firefighters," Inspector White said.
The area is under threat from the Badja fire. There are hot spots on the western side of Gulaga and Dignams Creek and behind the control line in the James Creek area.
Inspector White said north westerly winds of up 30km/h were forecast and conditions were hot and dry.
The coastal strip would have the benefit of a north-easterly influence, but inland areas would not.
She said the southerly was due in Moruya at 11pm.
Meanwhile, Moruya visitors report many shops in the town have closed due to the fire risk and weather.
READ MORE: Advice for Eurobodalla Shire residents on Saturday, February 1
