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Heavy traffic as people evacuate a smoky Batemans Bay.Credit:Kate Geraghty

Along with NSW's many fires,those across the border in Victoria's East Gippsland were also likely to burn for a long time and could cross north into NSW,he said,explaining why the plan to exit extends all the way south.

An RFS firefighter with the Charmhaven unit monitors a small flare-up on New Year's Day on the Kings Highway near Batemans Bay.Credit:Kate Geraghty

In postings to social media,the RFS said"widespread extreme fire dangers are forecast for the South Coast on Saturday",adding they were expected to be"the same or worse than New Year's Eve".

"If you are planning to visit the South Coast this weekend,it is not safe. Do not be in this area on Saturday."

The arrival of fresh fuel supplies,particularly diesel,should allow many people to leave the region on Thursday. Cars were lined up at closed service stations in Batemans Bay on Wednesday night,with drivers anxious to access fuel once the pumps restarted.

A small flare-up on the Kings Highway.Credit:Kate Geraghty

Power,which had been out for much of the region,was restored at least to Batemans Bay late in the evening. TheHerald,though,visited and photographed a flare-up of fires near power lines and along the Kings Highway,forcing those witnessing to move away from the dangling cables.

Parts of the Kings Highway,which would normally link drivers between Batemans Bay and Canberra within about an hour,remain closed to the public and may remain so for possibly months with many fallen trees across it.

The Princes Highway was expected to be opened for people to leave the hard-hit Batemans Bay region towards the north on Thursday as fire risks to the road have receded for now.

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