You might think all the action happens on the fireground, but those working at the Fire Control Centre have their fingers on the pulse.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's the birthplace of major decisions and the nursery of all communications and intel.
It's a hive of busy people, all with important roles.
After only two years as a communications officer, Diann Price is proud of her role.
She was operating the radio on January 30, relaying information between the control centre and firefighters on the ground.
"It's very busy, and feels great to be helpful," she said.
"There are so many people who want to help, but don't have the training.
"I am lucky to have had Dani (Brice) and Judy give me great training during back burns over the past years."
The communications room can get tense. Ms Price said it took a certain skill to stay calm.
After evacuating her home at Malua Bay on New Year's Eve, she understands the community's distress.
"I was at the evacuation centre myself and could see the panic and fear on people's faces," she said.
"I was somewhat calm.
"It's a personal thing, you don't know how you will react until you are in that situation."
Ms Price is one of more than 10 in the Eurobodalla Volunteer Operation Support (EVOS) team.
Senior deputy Ron Clarke said tasks included scribing, managing disposition boards and the radio.
An RFS firefighter for more than 50 years, he loves the mateship.
READ MORE: SES helps southerners prepare for the worst
Canadian planning officer Mike Way said it was one of the most complex incidents he had been part of.
"With all the different agencies here and the fire spreading through different shires, it is challenging," he said.
He was formerly part of Alberta's "Helitack" firefighting crew, who was dropped into remote areas.
"My role now isn't as glamorous, but it's important," he laughed.
"I ensure any gaps in resources are filled from the manpower on the ground to the incident team in the control centre," he said.
He felt privileged to help.
"I love the country and would like to come back more relaxed next time," he chuckled.
"The people I have been working with and those in the community have been so friendly, resilient and super thankful."
READ MORE: Air operations run by Canadian specialist
