In the video, captured by a Heddon Greta resident, firefighters and homeowners can be seen attempting to fight back flames as the inferno comes frighteningly close to homes.

“You need to get out of there,” says one firefighter to residents, who were doing their best with garden hoses.

Minutes pass and the height of the flames get higher, as firefighters and residents are forced into retreat.

One man is seen scaling a rooftop.

The firefighters were attached to Fire and Rescue NSW Abermain brigade.