A year later, that landmark fire does not feel quite so peculiar. Belmont residents had to defend their properties on Thursday night and into Friday morning after a bushfire swept to the NSW Rural Fire Service's highest danger rating after dark.

Thanks do not seem enough for those who step in as others step back from bushfires, and the firefighters' efforts ensured no homes or lives were lost at Lake Macquarie last week.

The Hunter will begin its fire danger season on September 1, earlier than most years but later than much of the state's even earlier commencement. Firefighters have been unequivocal about their concern for the season ahead given tinderbox conditions, little rain on the horizon and the dangers already seen so far this winter.

Former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins warned back in July that winter bushfires were a likely prospect for the state. Now a Climate Council councillor, Mr Mullins described Australia as "ill prepared" for changing times.

"This is part of a long-term trend, being driven by climate change," he said. "Australia's bushfire seasons are starting earlier, becoming more severe and lasting longer than ever before."

Indeed, reports have indicated that long-term arrangements between Australia and northern hemisphere nations to share equipment in alternating seasons are in question as both ends of the globe find they require the resources for longer.

Despite their unquestionable courage, our firefighters require some of these tools to ensure they can offer the best protection against natural disasters that are changeable, unpredictable and capable of extreme destructive force.

Few Australians who have seen a bushfire query their destructive power. The region has enjoyed several lucky escapes in recent years, including the blazes that threatened Salt Ash residents in swirling winds in November last year, months after that unprecedented August blaze thinned the fuel on the ground. It falls to us all to stay vigilant, and to support our firefighters as best we can.