We can't thank the firies and personnel who fought the blazes - and are still at it - enough. Nor can we be too kind or generous to those who have lost to the fires.

Amid the recognitions, Wauchope Show Society did everyone proud with such a congregation of people and animals to shelter and sustain. All safe - a huge thank you.

Less awesome were the idiots nationally: assaulting firies; lighting fires in a ban; blaming greenies or latte-sippers, NPWS, Australia itself for its extremes, and even (did I hear right?) same sex marriage!

All wrong and the blaming should be ignored.

It is however hard to ignore the group of highly experienced emergency chiefs, speaking quietly in their uniform suits about a changed climate, unprecedented fire behaviour, overlapping fire seasons around the country, and predictions of fire crises.

Evidently those chiefs approached the prime minister with their warning in April and then September but were denied a meeting. Why?

I understand firefighting is a state responsibility and that states must ask the federal government if they need help. I understand that responding to the chiefs' warning would have cost resources and the PM wants a surplus.

But crikey, if my grandson needs glasses my daughter finds the money. And if loved ones need help she offers. Basic, really.

Concerning fires, all states are affected and only the federal government can arrange a coordinated response. A responsible government would step up and offer the necessaries - like a national fire summit, immediately - back in April.

I hope we see that now, with well advised sensible action post-haste, before the summer really hits. Together we can do this.

Cr Intemann's stories from a civic heart are her opinions and not necessarily council's.