"The destruction here is just like a war zone."

That's how Zalmai Khatiz described the state of Lake Conjola on the NSW South Coast.

Key points: Zalmai Khatiz and his family helped neighbours save their homes

Zalmai Khatiz and his family helped neighbours save their homes Mr Khatiz said he "felt a debt" after moving to Australia from Afghanstan

Mr Khatiz said he "felt a debt" after moving to Australia from Afghanstan He plans to stay and defend his street as conditions worsen this weekend

The deadly Currowan fire engulfed the small town on New Year's Eve, forcing Zalmai, and his son, Yama, onto the street with small buckets to save their elderly neighbours' homes.

And ahead of catastrophic fire conditions on Saturday, the two men will remain in the razed town to protect homes once more.

"Nearly 40 years ago I came here from Afghanistan and Australia gave us a future. Now, I feel like we are in debt to give to other Australians," Zalmai said.

"We're on neighbourhood watch."

Every year the Khatiz family, from Hornsby, spend New Year's Eve at their holiday home on the picturesque shores of Lake Conjola.

Their home, just 50 metres from the water's edge, boasts panoramic views of the water.

Lake Conjola is a popular holiday and retirement spot. ( ABC News: Kelly Fuller )

On Tuesday about 11am the family, including four teenage children, were about to go for a swim when they noticed a water-bombing helicopter filling from the lake.

Then, flames engulfed their street.

"Suddenly the winds picked up and it turned scalding hot. We thought about leaving but at that moment our neighbour's roof caught on fire and spot fires started all around us," Yama said.

"There was nowhere to go."

Zalmai said the family — all seven of them — didn't hesitate to help their elderly neighbours.

The fire destroyed 89 homes and countless vehicles. ( ABC News: Kelly Fuller )

"Everybody got a bucket of water and was running everywhere — including my four grandchildren," he said.

"One moment the children's playground [on the lake's shore nearby] was on fire and we were pouring water on it. Then our other neighbour's house caught on fire so we ran over there."

The Lake Conjola community was left devastated this week when three bodies were found in the area as a result of the fires.

On Wednesday a 70-year-old man was also found dead outside a home west of Lake Conjola.

In total, 381 homes were destroyed on New Year's Eve along the South Coast, killing seven.

"I've never experienced that kind of fire and that kind of my noise in my life," Zalmai said.

"It was terrible."

Buckets only, hoses powerless

When the fire hit the town, 150 power lines were destroyed.

Without electricity, buckets were and remain the family's best hope of saving homes.

The threat of catastrophic fire conditions on Saturday hasn't deterred the father and son.

The Currowan bushfire tore through Lake Conjola. ( ABC News: Kelly Fuller )

With buckets in hand, they plan to defend their street against ember attack.

They already have dozens of buckets filled with water, ready to go.

"It was and is my duty to protect my community and my fellow Australians. I won't run away from here," Zalmai said.