The bushfire that impacted Tathra, Reedy Swamp and Tarraganda four years ago to the day took everyone by surprise.
The blaze, which ignited on a total fire ban day on March 18 2018, destroyed 65 homes and 35 cabins and caravans.
For Vimy Ridge resident Jan Harris, the road to rebuilding has been a tough one.
"We're in our fourth rental ... it's a great arrangement but it's still not home," she said.
"The rain, ironically, has delayed the build quite a bit."
Ms Harris didn't get permission to rebuild until January 2020, which has contributed to the overall delay.
On the four-year anniversary of the 2018 bushfire, other natural disasters are currently impacting communities across Australia, including the floods in northern NSW.
"It's a highly emotional day that's probably been exacerbated by watching the struggles with people in the floods and knowing what's to come for them," she said.
Cause of bushfire determined
Hearings held as part of the NSW Coronial Inquiry took place over 17 days in August and November 2020 and featured more than 40 witnesses.
In December 2021, Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott found the fire started in an electrical easement in the Reedy Swamp area, caused by the impact between a falling tree and an electrical conductor line, which then made contact with the ground and ignited vegetation.
Several recommendations were made to the contractors and subcontractors tasked with managing the electrical infrastructure and vegetation within the easement at the time, being Essential Energy, Asplundh and Pinnacle.
"Essential Energy has reviewed and commenced working through the findings and recommendations in detail, including any steps that have or will be taken to address them," an Essential Energy spokesperson said.
Recommendations were also given to the NSW Regional Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW, including that they jointly review radio usage and ensure that fire ground commanders are able to effectively communicate with other services.
"Significant work has already been completed or is under way, including the rollout of Computer Aided Dispatch by the RFS and the implementation of Automated Vehicle Location on RFS vehicle," an RFS spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the ABC understands several insurance companies representing customers impacted by the fire are proceeding with a civil claim against Essential Energy, Asplundh and Pinnacle.
The matter is still proceeding before the courts.
In a statement, Essential Energy said: "It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the civil court proceedings that are presently on foot."
Memories will never fade
For many residents impacted by the blaze four years ago, the anniversary is a reminder of the lessons they have learnt.
Jane Andrews' home in Tathra was damaged, and some months later she would experience Black Summer.
"This is my third firestorm in 20 years, having been in the Canberra fires in 2003," she said.
But the memories of that day will never fade.
"I feel much more certain that we'd be ready to take on another bushfire here and the bush has regrown to the point that it could easily burn again," she said.
