The Australian Government has agreed to pay New South Wales (NSW) firefighters up to $6000 (NZ$6284) for their hard work.
The statement was made on Sunday by Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison who said the payment is for financial support and expenses used by firefighters.
He said firefighters are experiencing a situation beyond the limits of their training.
"The early and prolonged nature of this fire season has made a call beyond what is typically made on our volunteer firefighters."
President of NSW's Volunteer Fire Fighters Association told 7News firefighters have resorted to using their income to keep up with expenses used on smoke masks and petrol.
Morrison said the money will be tax-free and capped at $6000.
The payments will be given in the amount of $300 per day.
The funds can be claimed by Rural Fire Service NSW volunteers who are either self-employed or work for small and medium businesses.
"This announcement provides employees of small and medium-sized businesses and self-employed volunteers with the same level of support, said Morrison.
But the federal government expects larger companies to provide their employees with 20 days of emergency services leave.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, told The Australian on Tuesday, paying volunteers goes against the very character of volunteering.
"Volunteers don't want payment. It doesn't make them volunteers. They've given me that message loud and clear."
NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott also agreed with Fitzsimmons when he made the statement "anyone who is arguing we have to pay them doesn't understand the ethos of the volunteer in this country."
