Five local heroes from the Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade took the brave decision to fly to New South Wales and help fight the fires.

Volunteer firies Kimberleigh Smith, Gavin Donnelly, David Muston, Kristopher Smith and Neil Paine flew out of Mount Isa on Wednesday January 8.

First officer for Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade Gaven Bunker said the size and intensity of the fires had resulted in the New South Wales Fire Brigade requesting all the help they could get.

"I contacted my guys and five ended up being allowed to leave work and go fight the fires," Mr Bunker said.

"The crew will now fly to Townsville and meet up with the combined northern strike force, and then from there they will fly to Brisbane and meet up with the rest of the contingent.

"Tomorrow morning (Thursday) they will find out where they are being deployed across New South Wales," he said.

A total of 54 volunteers have been sent from Queensland with around 18 from North Queensland.

Mr Bunker said he has about 20 members in Mount Isa so should anything happen at home they have enough numbers to keep everyone safe.

"The crew flies back to Mount Isa on Tuesday January 14 due to fatigue management, after that we will find out if the state needs more crew members deployed," Mr Bunker said.

Mr Bunker said he was grateful that some of his members will be fighting.

"It means a lot that the fighters employers have allowed their workers time off to go and fight the fires on such short notice," he said.

Mr Bunker said Alliance Safety Equipment had also provided a lot of safety equipment which everyone had greatly appreciated.

Read Also: Connie Greaves celebrates her remarkable 100th birthday

While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday