Monday’s event was certainly harrowing for residents, especially those in Filter Road and surrounds as their homes came under threat.

Some chose to stay and fight, others grabbed those precious possession and pets and left.

As the fire roared towards homes, once again our brave firefighters from both the Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue stood in its path and defended the properties.

The courage and skill shown by the firefighters was again exceptional.

More than 150 personnel from both services were on the ground and 50 appliances were ready to fight the fast moving beast as it lapped at homes.

In the sky, three water bombing helicopters did their roles with skill in extremely testing wind conditions, while Thor, the huge C130 Hercules roared into action.

Again, that good old Aussie mateship came to the fore.

Friends and neighbours who stayed did what they could to help each other. Others grabbed firefighting hoses to help fire crews.

For those who couldn’t get back into their properties, those inside the fire zone passed on information as they could.

But as family and friends banded together to fight the flames, came the almost unbelievable news that the fires might have been deliberately lit.

Feelings of hope and togetherness soon turned to disbelief and anger. How could somebody possible do such a thing?

Through it all, and despite being disappointed by the thought the fires were deliberate, our fire crews battled on regardless and did a remarkable job in ensuring the only loss was a garden shed and damage to a home’s gutter in Filter Road.

Quite remarkable when you consider the ferocity of the fire.

This was a close call. And it was on Nowra’s doorstep showing no area is really safe from bushfires.

Authorities have again pleaded for everyone to have a Bushfire Survival Plan. If you don’t jump onto the RFS website.

The NSW Police and RFS Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fires. If anyone has any information please contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333000.