Firefighters keen to help mates

An hour after arriving in Esperance, Dardanup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade chief Chris Hynes and his crew of firefighters were greeted by their biggest challenge.

Preparing to put a back-burn in to help those already fighting fires, the fire suddenly "rolled" and threatened a nearby football club.

Luckily, Mr Hynes and his crew were able to help save the building.

Volunteer firefighters from across the South West put their lives on hold - and at risk - to help fight the devastating Esperance blazes last month.

Several firefighters from the shires of Dardanup, Harvey and Collie were among the volunteers.

Bunbury and Australind State Emergency Service volunteers also braved the life-threatening conditions to help their "mates".

Mr Hynes said firefighters did not think twice about helping neighbouring communities during bushfires.

"The reason we do it is so when it does happen here, you'll get the same sort of support," he said.

"That's what it's all about - you can't fight large fires by yourself."

He said firefighters developed a sense of camaraderie and became one big family.

"You quickly learn how to become part of a team and the sooner you get that happening the better," he said.

"We talked about what everyone was going to bring on our way down there."

During the day-long journey to Esperance, Mr Hynes' crew of four took turns driving the brigade's truck.

"Thankfully the weather came in and cooled things down after our second day," Mr Hynes said.

"We can go back to our normal lives now."

About 130,000ha of bush and farm crops were destroyed in the fires, which claimed four lives including Scaddan farmer Kym Curnow and three workers.

More than 200 volunteer firefighters, Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel and State Emergency Service volunteers from around the State helped contain the fires.

DFES area officer Brad Slater said the fires highlighted a "very early" start to the bushfire season.

He said the community spirit during the Esperance fires was strong.

"All volunteerism is very strong and when a major fire happens, everyone really comes together," Mr Slater said.