Stories of fire experience

Residents from across the Peninsula have told Peninsula News how they were affected by the fires on January 1.

Several residents, told to evacuate the area, decided to stay instead and protect their homes and surrounding areas.

Phegans Bay residents Richard and Robyn Graylin were two of those people.

"We were told to evacuate but refused as we didn't see a compelling need to evacuate," Mr Graylin said.

"The fire got within 50 metres of the house but was burning slowly down hill.

"We had the car packed with photos, documents and whatever else we could grab in a hurry."

One Woy Woy resident praised the work of the local fire fighters but also thanked several local clubs who sheltered evacuees.

"People came down to Everglades and it said it was prepared to provide them with their services," the resident said.

"The first information we had was that they would be housed at the club in Gosford, but on the night they were housed in Ettalong Beach Club, Woy Woy Leagues Club and the Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club."

Ettalong Club media officer Mr Scott MacKillop said that the club accommodated about 70 people.

"In addition, we accommodated their dogs, cats, birds and fish," Mr MacKillop said.

"They were also provided with meals and were accommodated in our function rooms overnight."

Umina resident Mr Bill Lough, of Castle Circuit, was at home when the bushfire came around the water tower.

"The fire virtually followed one side of the road," Mr Lough said.

Mr Lough said fire fighters had a pump set up beside his swimming pool, with hoses either side of, and through, his house.

"When the southerly blew it accelerated the approach of the fire towards the house," Mr Lough said.

"When it reached the fire break, which we had constructed by clearing the area for a few years, the firemen managed it so that it wouldn't come any closer and it followed the path of the fire trail."

Lyle Stone, January 12