The Kurri Kurri resident was monitoring conditions on the Rural Fire Service website when the blaze “reared up towards us”, the sudden wind change catching everyone off guard.

“The firies came rushing over and told us to get out our hoses,” Mr Smith, who lives on Butler Parade, said.

“[The fire] sounded like a jet aircraft – it was so loud – I can’t describe how furious it was.”

Mr Smith’s backyard came under ember attack as the fire, which was raging out of control in bushland on nearby Northcote Street, threatened suburban areas.

The retiree’s workshop and pergola, which housed his deceased mother-in-law’s possessions, were destroyed. 

“Insurance will cover that, that’s fine,” he said. “The main thing is we’re OK – it’s a credit to the town firies who were able to save the home. We’re just so grateful to them.”

Asked to sum up his day, Mr Smith replied: “It was the worst afternoon of my life.”

Many of Mr Smith’s neighbours endured similar experiences, as the burning embers were indiscriminate in where they landed.

The Rural Fire Service confirmed late Wednesday night there were no homes destroyed by the fire, tweeting: “Great saves by crews in very difficult conditions”.