By 2pm it was 41 degrees. It was so hot that a surf carnival had to be called off early in the afternoon as spectators and competitors were treated for heat exhaustion.

Not surprisingly, fires roared through many parts of the valley, keeping brigades busy. They were later described as the worst in the area since 1968.

Just as conditions seemed to be settling, Taree Fire Brigade received an emergency call just after 4pm. GJ Coles in Manning Street, Taree, was ablaze. Fortunately the brigade members were cleaning out hoses and equipment they had been using on a bush fire when the call came through. They were ready for action.

When the brigade arrived flames were coming out the loading bay at the back of the store. And so started a battle that lasted more than two hours for the 17 Taree members assisted by four from Wingham. Eventually the blaze was contained although Coles had sustained more than $1 million worth of damage. During the crisis two firemen were overcome with heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.

Taree Fire Brigade captain Bill Erickson praised the crew.

"The boys did a good job. I'm proud of them,'' he told the Times.

The then Times cameraman Ron Badger was printing photos when the drama started and was on the scene in seconds.

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