A pair of Morton neighbours whose properties were under direct attack from a fire front were thankful they stuck of their survival plan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Trent Hamilton and neighbour Joe Eaton watched the smoke thicken before it began to engulf their Woodburn Road properties as the southerly hit on Saturday, January 4.
"The wind was incredible," Trent said.
READ MORE: South Coast fires LIVE blog
Spotfires began to start in trees and on the ground, but they weren't sure where they were coming from.
"It was just sort of combusting," he said.
As the fire front approached Joe yelled out to Trent, to get inside his pump-house as they had planned. Inside they fought embers, but when power was cut Joe was left with about 10 litres in his hand water-pump.
For about 20 minutes they stayed in the pumphouse and then fled to Joe's house. After the front passed the pair decided to separate and stick to their plan to defend their respective properties.
"It was just red, there were embers everywhere," Trent said.
While Trent's house was damaged from the blaze, he is insured and has found emergency accommodation in Mollymook. However, by sticking to survival plans, he can go back to rebuild in time.
"We did everything to plan and that's probably what saved our lives."