The recent bush fire that threatened properties in West Nowra also threatened lives.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
By the time the fire that engulfed a West Nowra reserve reached Filter Road, emergency services were so flat out fending off the flames that they didn’t have time to warn all residents to escape.
Residents living in three small streets off Filter Road were trapped – Filter Road was blocked, and their only way out, through a track at the end of the cul de sac, was barricaded by a heavy rock.
“The firies told us, ‘if you can’t get out, you’re going to have to bunker down,’” West Nowra resident Owen EIliots said.
A neighbour with a 4WD equipped to move heavy loads was their saving grace, he moved the rock blocking the track, and allowed a stream of residents in cars to escape, unharmed.
The rock has since been moved back, blocking the track between Racemosa Ave and Christiana Circuit again.
“I don’t feel happy about being hemmed in,” Mr Elliot said.
“A neighbour had wood outside that was there to be split, that caught alight, burning leaves blew onto our property and burnt the rubber on our garage door.
“If it wasn’t for the 4WD we wouldn’t have got out.
“It was a matter of good luck, not good management.”
The charred tree trunks in the reserve nearby remind them of their frightening brush with danger.
Mr Elliot and his neighbours would like Shoalhaven City Council to build a gate with a master key they can access in the event of an emergency, instead of blocking the track with a rock.
They have contacted council and await a response.
On Thursday, Councillor Mitchell Pakes who was on the scene in his role with the Rural Fire Service said he would help Mr Elliot in pursuing the matter.