"It comes in waves," said evacuee Jane Mayer-Simcock.
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"One group arrives, they're hysterical, and the people already here calm them down.
"Then the next group arrives and that group has to calm them down."
Speaking from the Milton-Ulladulla Showground, Mrs Mayer-Simcock is managing a menagerie of dogs and horses with about 12 other evacuees.
The scene almost has the atmosphere of a family camping trip at the moment. Conditions are good, and houses and loved ones are safe.
But all of that can change in an instant, and the evacuees have been on an emotional roller-coaster since late last week.
Many thought when they left on Sunday it would just be for the night. On Wednesday it doesn't look like anyone will be going home soon.
They said it was often the little things that were most frustrating, or most treasured.
The evacuees had overwhelming gratitude for the "angels" who had lent a hand. Often, they didn't even know their names.
"Two women brought us coffee - they didn't know what anyone drank so they bought all different coffees," Karen Spencer, of Termeil, said.
"A woman who works at Flight Centre in Batemans Bay baked brownies and slices so we could have a chocolate fix. Another woman has evacuated herself and is staying with family. She brought us an esky full of cold drinks and fresh fruit."
Help with animal feed, tick prevention and water was also greatly appreciated.
Ms Spencer and Mrs Mayer-Simcock's partners have remained at their homes to fight the blaze while they care for the animals.
The women each had four horses to get out - and only a two horse float.
They described the distress of choosing which horses to load up first, not knowing if they would be able to come back for the others.
Fortunately, all eight horses were safely evacuated.
Now they just hope everyone stays safe until the fire is under control.
"Houses, property - it's all material things," Mrs Mayer-Simcock said.
"We just want everyone to go home to their families."