Firefighting efforts overnight have been effective in maintaining containment lines around the Deans Gap fire in areas east of the Princes Highway.
As a result, there is now no immediate risk to the villages of Sussex Inlet, Swan Haven and Berrara.
However, residents will be noticing a lot of smoke in the area, and are reassured that this is not being generated by further fires and does not present immediate danger.
The heavy smoke is a result of the massive firefighting activity which has been going on around the clock since last Monday.
While the Princes Highway remains open under a strict 60km per hour restriction, smoke movement during the day could prompt further closures.
Some fire trails are still closed, however no other road closures are in place at this time.
Smoke is now being felt over a wide area due to a weak southerly wind-change that arrived in the area this morning.
The southerly arrived some five hours earlier than predicted and will serve to ease temperatures today, however the situation is constantly changing and residents are asked to remain alert, keep informed and ensure that a bush fire survival plan is in place.
The focus of today’s firefighting effort will be on the western flank of the fire at Tianjara where water bombing is tackling the blaze in rugged terrain.
Local Emergency Operations Commander police Superintendent Joe Cassar has asked Shoalhaven residents not to let their guard down.
“This fire is not out,” Supt Cassar said.
“Please stay abreast of all warnings and updates on this fire via your local media and the RFS website.”