When Ann and Ron Greene from Homestead Estate, Hallidays Point, fled their home on Saturday evening (October 26), they didn't know if they would have a home to come back to.
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A change in the wind had seen the out of control Darawank bushfire burning near The Lakes Way and Failford Road head in their direction - and it came fast.
"It was calm with no wind and then the wind came up and the sky went blood red and we heard the crackling of the fire," Ann said.
"The firies said if you've got somewhere to go, go. We had the truck ready. We jumped in and went.
"Some neighbours stayed and sent photos of the fire and of our backyard alight."
Unaware of what roads were open, Ann and Ron headed to a friend's house at the top of Tallwoods to watch the fire and see what was happening.
"We're safe," she said, adding how thankful they were to the firefighters, who not only informed them of the danger but also saved their home.
Ann said it was around lunchtime on Saturday they saw black smoke from the fire as it burned around The Lakes Way and Failford Road, and saw the firefighting helicopter flying over the area.
"The smoke billowed up here and it was watch and wait. The firies came and said we were safe unless the wind changed.
"We had no power so we couldn't listen to the radio, and the phone works on wifi so it was out too.
"They said if the wind changes, they'd come back."
It was around 7pm when the wind took off, and started coming in their direction and the firefighters returned.
"We were all packed and had stuff in the car."
Grabbing a few last minute things, they threw them in the car and left.
"It was a bit freaky," said Ann.
"The road was closed after we left."
She said it had been fortunate that during the year, that they and a few of their neighbours had cleared undergrowth in the bushland behind their homes and also removed anything filled with white ants.
On Monday (October 28), Rural Fire Service firefighters were on hand to assist in removing a tree from the rear of their property. "It's a big hollow one and it's burning on the inside. They're taking it down."
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