The grass fire that started at Watershed Stud just out of Young on Moppity Road on January 18, 2013, travelled 12 kilometres in 20 minutes, burning more than 1600 hectares and coming within just five kilometres of the Boorowa township.

John and Marilyn Hazel of Douglas Gap Road said the January 18 fire was a timely reminder of how quickly a fire can strike.

The couple, who have lived in their home for 20 years, also bore witness to another fire in the same area between 1996 and 2000.

So they’ve taken it upon themselves to better prepare their home for fire seasons, installing sprinklers on the roof and hoses around the house and garage.

The sprinklers reach out to their fence line, wetting the roof and gardens to protect them from ember attacks.

John, who installed the system himself last year, said about half of the water goes back into the tank to be reused.

“There are a lot of trees along the range and they are fairly close to the back of the house, about 200 metres,” John said.

They haven’t had to use the system yet but have tested it.

The couple were home and said they stood their ground when the Watershed fire ignited at lunchtime.

Marilyn said she wasn’t aware a fire was “raging” their way until a friend in the Rural Fire Service had phoned her because she had the house shut up on the hot day.

“I looked out and saw a plume of smoke up on the ridge, then it was panic mode,” she said.

“This time I could see it, last time others could see the smoke on the ridge but I couldn’t see anything.”

Their advice to others located on the edge of town is to keep your grass short as far out from the house as possible.

“Keep gutters clear of debris and have a fire plan ready, don’t wait until the last minute,” John said.