'Worst afternoon of my life': The moment a furious fire descended on Graham Smith's house

By Brodie Owen, Dan Proudman and Krystal Sellars
Updated January 19 2017 - 7:08am, first published 6:59am
Graham Smith in his charred backyard workshop.  Photo: Brodie Owen
Graham Smith in his charred backyard workshop. Photo: Brodie Owen
A waterbombing aircraft tackles the Kurri Kurri blaze near Sawyers Gully Road. Photo: Jonathan Carroll
A waterbombing aircraft tackles the Kurri Kurri blaze near Sawyers Gully Road. Photo: Jonathan Carroll
Firefighters fight the bushfire in Kurri Kurri. Photo: Jonathan Carroll
Firefighters fight the bushfire in Kurri Kurri. Photo: Jonathan Carroll
NCH NEWS. Pic of Firefighters in Northcote St, Kurri Kurri. 18th january 2017. Picture by Simone De Peak Photo: Simone De Peak
NCH NEWS. Pic of Firefighters in Northcote St, Kurri Kurri. 18th january 2017. Picture by Simone De Peak Photo: Simone De Peak
NCH NEWS. Pic of people standing in Aberdare St Kurri Kurri looking on at the smoke from the Kurri Kurri fire. 18th January 2017. Picture by Simone De Peak Photo: Simone De Peak
NCH NEWS. Pic of people standing in Aberdare St Kurri Kurri looking on at the smoke from the Kurri Kurri fire. 18th January 2017. Picture by Simone De Peak Photo: Simone De Peak
The Kurri Kurri fire bears down on properties. Photo: Michael John Fisher
The Kurri Kurri fire bears down on properties. Photo: Michael John Fisher
Kurri Kurri fire threatening properties- Images from Newcastle Herald? Picture: Jenny Naidu Photo: Jenny Naidu
Kurri Kurri fire threatening properties- Images from Newcastle Herald? Picture: Jenny Naidu Photo: Jenny Naidu

It was the worst afternoon of Graham Smith's life – his home alight as a bushfire raged around him.

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