While conditions have eased across some firegrounds this morning, authorities have started to assess the damage caused by the ferocious fire that swept through Nerriga on Saturday night.
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Residents took shelter at the Nerriga pub as the fire passed as two Windellama fire crews assisted Lake George zone throughout the night. They worked mainly around the town and along Nerriga Road.
Property owner in the Nerriga district Jim Sturgiss told the Goulburn Post the family home at Sassafras was lost in the blaze.
"I also know that there were six homes lost up there at Sassafras," Mr Sturgiss said.
"That was about half the houses that were up there, so there could be more houses that are lost other than that."
He said there were also losses of homes along the road that turns off before Nerriga, just before the museum (Willow Forest Rd).
"There are a lot of houses up there in 100-acre blocks. There are 8-10 houses in a group area there and a bloke who got out told me that most of those houses there went, but there are some left.
"There will be a large number of houses gone at Nerriga"
Meanwhile, RFS Southern Tablelands zone operations officer Lachlan Gilchrist said on Monday morning that crews were on site assessing the damage.
"It is an evolving situation. The ferocity of the fire that went through on Saturday as extraordinary," Mr Gilchrist said.
"It has taken some time to put crews together and go out assess what the situation is. It is still unfolding."
In relation to this fire and the Green Wattle Fire, Mr Gilchrist said conditions had eased and that containment strategies were being put in place.
A statement from the Monaro Police said their thoughts were with the residents of Nerriga as they join together as a community after being impacted by the ferocious fire.
"Police will assist with other agencies in providing the necessary support to the locals whilst the extent of the damage continues to be assessed. Unless you are a resident, please avoid the Nerriga area as there is still fire activity," police said.
David Cole
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
Journalist at the Goulburn Post
