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Tired. Weary. Determined.
They are the amazing men and women who have been volunteering their time over the last couple of days to save our homes.
Some are working 15 hour days.
The fire which has become known as the Crestwood fire as that's where it had its origins on Saturday, October 27, has threatened homes in a number of locations over the last couple of days and it is these men and women who have been our guardian angels.
They are our heroes.
Embarrassed by praise but so deserving of it.
Over the last couple of days Wauchope Rural Fire Service Captain Donna Anthony has been fighting fires in Harrington, Ballengarra and now Lake Cathie.
A teacher's aide at Wauchope Primary School, Mrs Anthony said her brigade is doing anything to help out locals.
"I know if my area was on fire I'd hope someone would help me," she tells the Port News as she grabs a quick drink on a five minute break before heading off again.
Wauchope retiree Gerry Devries jokes he is "starting to lose track of time" as the days of fighting fires merge into each other.
"It has got to be done," he says pragmatically.
"We help each other, it is just being part of a community."
Bakers Delight owner Aaron Hall is back at work after long days fighting the Crestwood fire as part of the Sancrox-Thrumster brigrade.
"Very full-on, very hectic," is his summary of the last few days.
But Mr Hall wouldn't have it any other way.
"It feels good when you get out there and play your little part in the big picture," he said.
"The reward is the sense of helping people."
And then there are the men and women not in uniform.
Neighbours helping each other out.
Howard Pikett has been helping locals around Lake Cathie including putting out a fire on the lake.
"I'm just trying to help out," Mr Pikett tells me humbly as he inspects a friend's property.
Just some of the heroes who may never get an award but have the eternal gratitude of our community.
