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Taren Gleeson and Jasmin Goodchild were just two of many residents who made Kendall Showground their safe place after fire threatened their homes.
The pair slept under the stars praying that the winds would be kind alongside their dogs and horses.
"We left about 7.30am yesterday (November 12) and then Jasmin arrived about 9am," Taren said.
"Compared to where we live the showgrounds offered some protection from the fire and was a point of safety for us.
"We moved the dogs and the horses and settled in for a long day and even longer night.
"But spirits were high despite the unknown. We went into Kew and and everyone was really coming together which was nice.
"There is a sense we are all in this together and we will find a way through together."
Taren said the despite knowing the fires had been burning for a while it really hit home when the winds picked up.
"The threat to Johns River started on Thursday but where we live it really only got a bit scary yesterday," she said.
"When the ash started flying and it was pretty scary and that is why we decided to evacuate."
Jasmin said she felt better knowing she was with the animals.
"The horses are absolutely loving it," Jasmin said.
"They think they are having a party being all together but the dogs are feeling a bit cooped up.
"They are feeding on our uncertainty but it is just a waiting game to see what will happen."
Taren said with everything being so dry it is hard to see where it will end.
"We haven't really even got into summer yet and these fires are so bad," Taren said.
"It has been dry for so long and when the wind picks up it can come from any direction. It will be a long hot summer ahead."
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