Whilst I have intermittent access take the opportunity to thank the many people for their RUOK calls and wishes over the past week as fires surrounded from the west, south and north of us from 4 to 11KM away..

NYE was the first impact and hosed for hours on end until the smoke became too much, sky turned red and burnt embers started raining down evacuated to the beach with 400 others for a couple of hours and when the RFS did not object returned home to find everything in tact albeit for the ash and burnt leaves.

The next three days thick smoke, no electricity, no landline, no mobile reception, no TV, no way in or out of town, supermarkets closed, no food and petrol in short supply. Got limited services back for 2 days then on Saturday things got closer and more serious than NYE when fire fronts hit a kilometre from the back fence and evacuation orders for Nth Batemans Bay issued, that included us. Just as we were ready to take off the fireys, and helicopters arrived. This impact stopped a bit under a kilometre from us but not until after we heard two houses explode. Again our home survived with just more ash and burnt embers.

Have friends who have lost not only their homes but businesses as well so feel blessed and twice lucky at this time.

Am still on alert as we have been advised that Friday will bring more of the same and my concern is because we have large unburnt grass area and tall trees on a Council reserve that is a green space right to the back fence. This has been a god send over the last week but could be a disaster area if the predictions for next weekend come to fruition.

Have renewed admiration for the lads and girls in yellow suits, red and white trucks, helicopters and fixed wing planes and their pilots and the new favourite colour is pink. But don't think cold tin meat and Cruskits will be on the menu for a long time to come.

Once again thanks for the concern and wishes.

Ann Brummell