The photo was sent in by the wife of a man who spent the night on the fire ground battling the blaze.

On Friday night, evacuees at the Queanbeyan showground reported Queanbeyan residents, total strangers, had been bringing food, water and horse feed to help. They had even offered overnight accomodation at their homes.

Gungahlin resident Kyleigh Moir, the best friend of Lara Cole who escaped the fire with her horses, had spent Friday afternoon getting as close to the fire as was safe and helping property owners to evacuate horses.

“I’ve come out to help a great friend in need,” Ms Moir said, describing horses as part of the family that you can’t just leave behind.

“We went up to try and help other people in need, managed to get to a couple of properties. Adrenaline just kicked in and we got whatever we could to bring back,” she said.

Member for Monaro John Barilaro said difficult times always brought out the best in a community.

“It’s that country spirit we’re always talking about on this side of the border, and we’re very proud of it,” he said.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council administrator Tim Overall said he’d heard amazing stories from Rural Fire Service volunteers about near misses and close calls.

“It’s quite amazing that we’ve survived this without loss of life,” Mr Overall said.​

The council set up an appeal for those affected by the fires on Saturday.

Donations can be deposited into the Carwoola Bushfire Appeal account – BSB 032724, account number 362257.

Donations can also be made in person at Westpac branches.

​Have you got a story of compassion from the fire at Carwoola? Send us your story or photos to editor.queanbeyanage@fairfaxmedia.com.au