13/01/2026
SMOKE UPDATE: Southern Bega Valley
Communities in the south of the Bega Valley will notice an increase in smoke this afternoon, and it is important to understand where this is coming from.
The smoke is primarily resulting from two fires currently burning near the Victorian border.
In NSW, the Endeavour Moor fire (Nadgee Nature Reserve) is approximately 700 hectares and being controlled. While this fire is in an area of high environmental value, we want to be clear: it does not pose a threat to life or property.
The heavier smoke volume is actually drifting from the Lake Barracoota fire in Victoria, which is approximately 2500 hectares and located 6km south of the border.
We understand that seeing smoke from a neighbouring state can be concerning, but please be assured we are actively working with our colleagues in Victoria to support this situation.
This includes embedding NSW representatives in their Incident Management Teams and providing NSW aircraft to assist their crews. This ensures we have a shared plan and total situational awareness across the border.
While you should anticipate smoke impacts to continue, there is no current threat to NSW communities. We will continue to monitor conditions closely.
