The Rural Fire Service says more than 70 homes and other buildings are now believed to have been destroyed by a mammoth bushfire on the far south coast.

Conditions have eased overnight but the blaze at Tathra is still burning out of control, with a Watch and Act Alert still in place.

Most residents spent a sleepless night in an evacuation centre at the Bega Showground, unsure whether their homes are still standing.

Building Impact Assessment teams are now moving through the affected areas to assess the damage.

The 1,000-hectare blaze jumped the river, then made the seven-kilometre run towards Tathra at incredible speed yesterday, forcing residents to leave the seaside town.

Alan speaks with local member Andrew Constance, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and Sunrise Host Samantha Armytage for the latest update on the blaze.

Click PLAY below for the latest update

EMERGENCY WARNING – Reedy Swamp fire (Bega Valley LGA) – A number of homes are believed to have been damaged or destroyed in the Tathra area. Building Impact Assessment teams are on their way to confirm. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/CItwYZHY0G

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) March 18, 2018