"We've never seen it like this."
BlazeAid co-founder and president Kevin Butler is talking about the trail of devastation left across Australia by this summer's bushfires.
With scientists labelling the conditions as unparalleled, Mr Butler says the volunteer organisation is stretched like never before.
"Normally our expenses to support our volunteers total $15,000 a week. It's now running around $240,000 per week," he said.
"I'm calling it the Great Australian megafire, using the word 'great' as in the Great War.
"This is 10 or 20 times bigger than we've had."
BlazeAid works with rural people to rebuild damaged or destroyed fences and other structures after natural disasters like fires and floods.
But the impact of their work goes far beyond that.
Their slogan is Not just rebuilding fences but helping rebuild lives.
At the time of publication, there were 18 BlazeAid camps across Victoria, South Australia and NSW, including one on Kangaroo Island.
That number is expected to hit 50 over coming weeks as fires are contained and roads re-opened.
The camps act as bases for volunteers who help start the rebuilding process on nearby affected properties.
'Tidal wave'
"At the moment I'm holding back a tidal wave of volunteers - it's great having so many willing people," Mr Butler said.
"But we can't go in to an area until the council or shire invite us in and provide space for camps, which is usually local showgrounds or similar.
"We need to get into affected areas as soon as possible otherwise all that enthusiasm might be lost.
"With the demands on us we're also short of camp co-ordinators.
"We're running a boot camp to train up 200 new co-ordinators."
Mr Butler said the organisation was also receiving great support from some major donors, including funding for new "combat-ready" trailers costing $27,000 each.
"But we've probably only got about 25 per cent of the equipment needed at the moment," he said.
"There could be a million kilometres of fencing required - we just don't know. The number will certainly be tens and tens of thousands."
Mr Butler said the two key things needed are donations, as the organisation does not apply for government grants, and volunteers.
He was quick to point out that fencing isn't just men's work - plenty of women have joined the ranks in the field - and age is no barrier, with many senior volunteers rolling up their sleeves and sharing their skills with others.
Want to lend a hand?
WANTING to pack up the caravan and take a break - and at the same time help communities recover from the devastation of this summer's bushfies?
BlazeAid currently has 18 camps set up in three states - and willing hands are always appreciated.
Volunteers are provided with a free camping site and meals.
The organisation, which emerged from the ashes of the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria, was the brainchild of sheep farmers Kevin and Rhonda Butler.
From a small ad in a local paper the movement has grown to now offer assistance across the country.
At the time of going to press there were camps in Victoria at Bruthen and Lexton; in South Australia at Lobethal, Edithburgh and Kangaroo Island; and Ebor, Casino, Wingham, Macksville, Willawarrin, Nymboida, Woodenbong, Braidwood, Wauchope, Bendemeer, Adelong, Yarrowitch and Jingellic.
To find out more, contact BlazeAid on 0418-530-471 or go click HERE to find contacts for the various camps.
