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A Lake Ōhau resident who helped to sound the alarm during Sunday's fire says people need to prepare for the unthinkable because it saves lives.
About 40 homes were destroyed or badly damaged when wildfire ripped through the small community on Sunday.
Viv Smith-Campbell was the first to call 111 after her husband woke her when he saw fire out of their loft bedroom window.
They both took to the streets - and were soon joined by others - to toot and bash on doors, urging residents and visitors to leave.
Viv Smith-Campbell told reporter Tess Brunton the residents passed firefighters who were racing to save lives and homes.