The Taylors Creek blaze quickly grew from 100 hectares to a whopping 2000ha by mid afternoon.

Gusting 40km/h winds made for extreme conditions and fanned an already dangerous outbreak east, threatening properties and stock.

Crews at one stage found it almost impossible to defend properties in the line of fire.

Near 40-degree temperatures also made conditions extremely hazardous for the 100 and more personnel fighting the blaze.

These are the conditions they’re called upon every summer to endure while keeping us safe. Where would we be without them?

At the time of going to press, the fire was still raging and the RFS was holding out hope of calmer overnight conditions.

We applaud their tremendous efforts. The fact that only two farm sheds had been lost by late afternoon was entirely due to them.

Our hearts go out to those affected. We also urge people to take extreme care during high fire risk days and to heed RFS advice. 

Discussions surrounding safety and security at nationally commemorated events like the Australia and Anzac days can be most appropriately filed as “the horns of a dilemma”.

On one point, a saturated security presence could incite fear and deter residents from attending larger events.

On the other, a laissez-faire attitude could result in irrevocable damage to people and their trust in police.

The latter can be most evidently seen in recent horrific events in places such as Europe and the United States.

The trap comes in the backlash, which means there is no right answer to this question, as each will raise fears, whether covert or pronounced.

Thankfully for the Goulburn RSL Sub-Branch, there is good communication and support between the police, organisers and Goulburn Mulwaree Council, a joint effort we should champion and encourage.

But whether you want freedom or fear, there is one fact that will always ring true, and it was summed up by Goulburn RSL Sub-Branch president Gordon Wade.

“There will always be bad people who want to do bad things,” Mr Wade said. “This could be at any time, at any place.”