The predicted southerly change rolled across Pappinbarra, Beechwood, Bellangry, Telegraph Point and Rollands Plains and further north around 2am. And the initial prediction - that they weren't out of the woods and to bunker down - arrived with a minor miracle.

The winds were strong. But the community stood firm.

The fires around Gum Scrub and Stockyard Creek were still burning - at emergency level. But crews at the ready held them at bay.

Last night, no-one lost their home. This morning they were given a brief moment to take a breath in and be thankful for what they still had. Each other.

Karen Lovett of Rollands Plains said while fires are still burning, and there's no time to be complacent, there is a sense of calm. And she stopped for a moment to take in a relatively smoke-free view and cherish the small things - today her lovely jacaranda tree which still stands made her smile.

"As far as I can see up the Plains this morning everything looks OK," she said.

"Gum Scrub fire was blazing all night but reports from there indicate the crews have managed to keep it under control.

"The community has been amazing. I am in awe of the generosity and support of so many people.

"I visited the Telegraph Point Rural Fire Service open day a few weeks ago and they had put in so much effort and I think got a poor response. It would be nice if we could encourage people to support their efforts when there isn't an emergency."

Lizzy Nejkov said they were ready as darkness fell over their property on Tuesday evening.

"We ran like crazy all arvo to wet the fire lines, it worked pretty well. We've just got back in from neighbor line to wet it to save his timber cabin property - he is not here," she said last night.

"We were very, very lucky with the wind. We could see it burning of towards Pappinbarra Road - I am grateful for one thing, that I sent my old neighbor away. I hope her house is still there, at least she will be okay. And now I am tired and will eat lots of spaghetti."

Lizzy and her family woke to clearer skies and good news. Their efforts were not in vain, but tragically there were wildlife fatalities.

"It didn't cause any drama we were so lucky as our whole property, 300 acres, was burning. We didn't want to see that flare up again," she said.

Fire crews are expected to be managing the fire grounds west of the Pacific Highway for weeks to come.