As the flames from the North Black Range fire crept closer to Bob and Kathleen Kohler's Warri property they remained remarkably cool, preparing to protect their belongings.
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The flames were still one kilometre away but the noise of the fire preceded it, similar to a jet engine taking off or waves crashing heavily on the shore.
The flames shot into the air well above the treetops and the air was black with smoke.
The crack of burned trees falling or dropping limbs reverberated in the night, a firefighter's worst nightmare when the direction is unknown.
The Kohlers were prepared for the fire to come right up to their property.
They've owned the land for five years but only signed the paperwork to build a house on Friday.
They weren't planning on leaving unless they absolutely had to.
"If we can handle the heat we can keep the sheds cool," Mr Kohler said.
They had kitted themselves out with two pumps and plenty of hoses and we're waiting patiently.
Mrs Kohler, an asthmatic was most concerned about the smoke.
"I'm just worried it could overcome me while I'm trying to hose down the sheds," she said.
Carwoola Rural Fire Brigade Captain David Hanzl has been fighting the fires since day one.
He said one of the most difficult things was having to move on from one area to another if the conditions demanded it.
"You're always looking over your shoulder thinking, 'I hope that place is ok'. But sometimes they're not," he said.
He and his crew have protected dozens of homes and even a shed with $100,000 worth of garlic in it.
He empathised with the fear homeowners of the region must feel as fire bears down around them.
"You're only ever a small wind change away from being in trouble."
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ACT Rural Fire Service crews were on hand to assist their NSW counterparts on Thursday with managing containment lines.
On Friday conditions are expected to ease somewhat for the North Black Range fire but it remained a risk of spreading further towards properties. The winds will be primarily westerly and up to 35 kilometres per hour.
There is a very high fire danger rating both for the region surrounding Braidwood and there is a total fire ban in place.
The ACT will also experience a very high fire danger rating on Friday with a top of 28 degrees and light westerly winds.
