Despite COVID-19 restrictions keeping NSW far south coast locals physically apart, the community is rallying behind two families who lost all their belongings and a life of memories to freak house fires last weekend.
The two homes, in Eden and Moruya, were a place of refuge and support for the families that grew up in them over generations.
Sadly, both houses were destroyed by fires last Sunday, leaving the occupants with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Mouya Kaipas, 67, lived in the Eden home for decades before what was believed to be an electrical fire broke out destroying everything inside.
"By the time I got to the bedroom and opened the door, I couldn't see right down the hallway. It was all just pitch black from the smoke," she said.
"We couldn't grab anything at all."
Ms Kaipas's granddaughter Kyah Seckold said the family was lucky to escape the blaze.
"They were very lucky to get out," she said.
"We're just lucky to have them and grateful for them to be alive."
The family is now trying to rally support to help get them back on their feet.
"We're trying to get them some caravans or demountables to put back onto the property so we can make it liveable for them," daughter Alana Seckold said.
Aunty Beryl's escape
Aunty Beryl Brierley, 89, also lost her home to a devastating fire in Moruya on Sunday and now her family is calling for community help to get her life back on track.
"Aunty Beryl is a treasured elder in our community," family member Chrystal Brierley said.
"Her community of Moruya, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, respect and value her a great deal."
The Indigenous elder also lost her beloved dog, Stinky, in the blaze.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for both families to help them get back on their feet.
Lockdown pain
While the community has come together to help both families during this trying time, COVID-19 has added to the complexity of recovering after a tragedy.
"It's really hard, there are no words," Alana Seckold said.
"You can't just go and see them all together and sit together to reflect on memories about the place and try to cheer them up or give them hope."
Fire safety
NSW Fire and Rescue is urging people to make sure they have fire safety plans in place.
Craig Mashman from Fire and Rescue said there were a few things residents could do to improve their home's safety.
"During COVID, we tend to get a bit lax with our preparation of homes," he said.
"So, I'd like to say to everyone who doesn't have a working smoke alarm in their premises during the COVID phase, contact your local fire stations.
"A working smoke alarm does save lives."
