Australian fires: residents of NSW towns urged to take shelter as Victorian warnings downgraded

Emergency alerts have been issued in the Cessnock and Bega Valley regions of NSW, but warnings in Gippsland have been downgraded

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Residents are being warned to take shelter as fire crews battle to bring bushfires in the New South Wales south coast and Hunter regions under control, with those living in several towns told that it is too late for them to leave.

As night fell on Tuesday on the east coast of Australia, there were 86 fires burning in New South Wales, with 29 not contained, and over 1,300 firefighters working to bring the fires under control.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup