The Mid-North Coast crews were represented by firefighters from Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope, Taree and Wingham personnel who were joined by Narrabri, Tamworth and Gunnedah.

Four-wheel drive fire trucks were organised at Orchard Hills in Sydney and directed by strike team leader Inspector Jarrod King.

Two additional fire trucks briefed by Inspector Tony Lenthall also departed for Sydney from Port Macquarie led by Captain Rob Read and Laurieton Captain Les King.

The trucks were designated as Strike team Echo and began covering Bredbo and surrounding areas such as Michelago and Colinton.

Cpt Read said the teams were given some advice on African Love grass, which burns hot, fast and generates two to three metre flame height.

"On our first call out - which was one of our worst days - the fire front arrived turning day into night," he said.

"The fire was burning fiercely and we started to get spot fires. We found out first hand how the African Love grass burnt; you put it out, move on to the next bit and it's flaring up behind you again.

"At one stage the Monaro Highway was closed and we were dealing with spot fires on one side of the road but the next minute the fire jumping the road and heading towards us.

"We had to get out quick and move our truck. The heat was so intense we had to cool ourselves with the hoses. It was a big lesson learnt for the rest of the week."

The firefighters also received calls to help people trapped in their houses and experienced fire-related weather events.

"We saw a bushfire creating its own weather pattern by causing lightening and tornado-type whirlwinds," he said.

"The fire storm ripped the roof off one house - none of the crews had ever witnessed that before.

"We went looking for the roof but couldn't find it. All we found was roof insulation in the trees.

"There were also branches just snapped off like matchsticks."

Captain Read said the gratitude of residents who had their homes saved was overwhelming.

"All four trucks were busy defending homes, fighting fires and helping the community," he said. "The community was pleased to see us helping to save their properties.

"One home owner suffered slight burns to his arms trying to defend his home while we were able to save his house and sheds.

"Les and his crew were also confronted by a pretty fierce fire that was roaring up a hill toward them. That fire was crowning in the tree tops. However, they were able to save the home despite losing a couple of sheds on the property.

"Thankfully the crews were all safe and it was a job well done."

Port Macquarie retained firefighter Nathan Goodsell said the fires were burning hotter and more quickly than he had experienced on the Mid-North Coast.

He said at one home the heat was intense and the ember attack that followed was huge.

"One of the days was 50 degrees and it makes a big difference," he said.

"The fires burn so different down there, they burn so quickly that there's no time to react.

"Normally you have a bit of time to prepare yourself but we had to really think on our feet during these (South Coast) fires."

Mr Goodsell said he was pleased to be home to his family.

"I love my job but I miss my kids," he said.

During the seven day deployment, 88 homes were saved and another 12 homes lost.

Cpt Read thanked the crews that remained in Port Macquarie.

"While we were away our own crews from Port Macquarie had a mini tornado and storms to deal with. In the aftermath they dealt with asbestos and made the area safe for our community," he said.

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