AT 8.30pm on Saturday, November 2 - it was the news we had all been waiting for.
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The Crestwood-Lake Innes fire, which has burned across 2880 hectares over seven long and tense days, was finally under control.
Every Rural Fire Brigade crew across the Hastings, supported on the ground by colleagues across the state, NSW Fire and Rescue, the State Emergency Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Forestry Corporation, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and emergency support units gave it all they had.
In the air, there was a squadron of fireboss aircraft, helicopters and the Large Air Tanker.
They weren't leaving until the job was done.
And when things got tough, it was the outpouring of thanks and gratitude from our community that kept our fire crews going.
Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade and their support crews across the Hastings region have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by people who may have once been strangers, but are now friends.
Thank you so much for all of your support. The community spirit has been inspiring.
- Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade
"This past week we have been working closely with Central Coast based Fire and Rescue NSW strike teams, using Lake Cathie Fire Station as our staging area. Huge thanks to the strike teams who have taken time away to help our town out during these fires," the crew posted on their Facebook page.
"We have had overwhelming support from the community and from local businesses over the last few days.
"Thank you so much for all of your support. The community spirit has been inspiring."
Sancrox-Thrumster RFB were overwhelmed with donations.
"We have noticed on a lot of pages people asking how they can help, the best way you can help is to apply to volunteer with your local closest brigade.
"Some of the brigades in the area have had crews out non-stop for the past three months and are exhausted.
"The more the load is shared around the better the outcome for all."
From Lake Innes RFB: "Thanks to everyone that has sent us messages of support, the crews greatly appreciate it."
Here's how it all panned out over the last week:
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