The fire emergency heightened in the face of dreadful conditions on Thursday afternoon across the ACT and NSW.
Three people died after an air tanker crashed in Snowy Monaro.
Communities on the NSW South Coast, having already gone two rounds with fires, are again under threat. Two fires merged and threatened homes and buildings in Canberra's east and Queanbeyan. The Beard fire has now been downgraded to watch and act.
People in Beard, Oaks Estate and West Queanbeyan including Crestwood were told to seek shelter immediately, as the fire is travelling in an easterly direction. Later they were advised to stay inside and close all windows and doors due to the air quality.
People in Eurobodalla Shire have been told to seek shelter and the Green Wattle Creek fire in the Southern Highlands has been upgraded to Watch and Act.
Our journalists across Australian Community Media are covering these fires. The below links will take you to their free coverage on their corresponding news title.
- The Canberra times is providing Live updates on Canberra fires
- The Bay Post, South Coast Register and Bega District News are in the thick of it among the South Coast Fires.
- The Southern Highland news is keeping residents updated on the Green Wattle Creek fire.
The live blog below can take a moment to appear.
