What we know about the Tathra firestorm

Here's the latest on the Tathra firestorm that destroyed almost 100 houses, caravans and cabins in the NSW coastal town.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE TATHRA FIRESTORM:

* 69 houses and 30 caravans or cabins destroyed; 39 houses damaged; 398 homes saved or not affected

* No schools in the area have been impacted

* A handful of people were treated for smoke inhalation and breathing problems; two firefighters suffered heat exhaustion; one woman was treated for minor burns

* No one missing at this stage

* Fire moved incredibly fast; began to consume homes within a couple of hours after breaking out after midday on Sunday

* RFS says the blaze was the result of a "perfect storm" - very hot conditions, strong winds, low humidity and extremely dry bush

* The fire has burned through more than 1200 hectares so far and is not yet under control

* Fire activity eased on Monday night, with the RFS downgrading its alert level to 'advice'; crews remain on ground to contain it

* Cause not yet known but other fires in the same area were started by powerlines arcing in the wind

* It's not yet safe for residents to return home but authorities say that is a priority; concerns of asbestos "floating around"

* Hundreds of people are in an evacuation centre in nearby Bega

* Power has been restored to parts of Tathra but mobile phone coverage is poor due to phone towers being impacted

* Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian visited the area on Monday


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Source: AAP


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