Some of the hardest to hear are those of Rural Fire Service volunteers who themselves lost homes in the blazes that took off in the worst of weather conditions.

Fighting to save another’s home in dangerous conditions, only to learn your own has been lost, is a risk every firefighter carries when an emergency breaks out.

Fire crews can be called from near and far, leaving jobs, responsibilities and loved ones behind.

In the recent emergencies, Narooma, Dalmeny, Bodalla and Potato Point Rural Fire Service volunteers dropped everything to help out.

They are appreciated, with many homes, farms, buildings and animals saved.

Arrests of minors and adults on alleged arson charges have made disturbing reading.

Just as disturbing for firefighters, though, is the thought of the risk that we carry here at home in the Eurobodalla, despite recent rain.

Firefighters are asking landholders to clean-up their properties, so if crews are called to help save it, they will be able to fight a fire more safely and easily.

Narooma firefighter Mick Anderson has warned all in the shire that complacency is not in order.

Recent wetter conditions do nothing to reduce the fuel load throughout the shire – a fuel load that will dry out in just a few days of sunshine.

The worst of the seasonal heatwaves may be behind us but another hot, dry windy spell cannot be ruled out.

Aerial shots of fires sweeping through grazing or cropping areas, whether in NSW or further afield, show how a pleasant rural scene can be reduced to ashes, causing the horrifying deaths of stock.

Ember attack can be enough to burn an unprotected house to the ground.

The scenario only gets worse in heavily timbered areas.

The Rural Fire Service is now recruiting.

As Mr Anderson says, the best way to protect your property is to get the skills – and the best way to do that is to join your local brigade.