President of the Burrawang and Wildes Meadow Chris McCann said that the fires and smoke impacted the community.

"Since late December just prior to the Wildes Meadow fire and the Wingello and Bundanoon fires we identified an issue in the community," he said.

"A lull, a sombre mood has left people feeling stressed, depressed and concerned about their properties, stressed about people losing businesses, and stressed about their friends and relatives living in the Southern Highlands.

"People are losing hope, holiday makers are cancelling their plans and the flow on effect has been that local cleaners, gardeners, electricians and plumbers, the General Store and the pub have seen business dry up.

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"The Burrawang and Wildes Meadow Community Association in conjunction with the Burrawang RFS invite residents to the Burrawang General Store & Cafe to share experiences and stories about what has been happening with the fires.

"The community day is about sharing experiences and raise stories and ensure our people know they can rely on their neighbours for help while at the same time injecting some life back into the village and the businesses and raising funds for the NSW RFS, Wires and other organisations."

Mr McCann knows all to well the devastation the fires can bring to a community.

A former police officer in Victoria, Mr McCann was tasked to save lives, evacuate people and to direct traffic on what is now known as Ash Wednesday.

"The memories still haunt and trouble me today, and even though I went on to work for years in major crime and homicide, nothing would ever come close to what I witnessed on the day of the fire and the aftermath," he said.

"On February 16 1983, I met with a crew of six Victorian Country Fire Association firefighters, one of whom was a mate of mine I played junior cricket with.

"We could hear the fire roaring nearby so after wishing one another good luck we went our separate ways.

"We stayed until the fire was within just a few hundred meters and we left. Just a few hours later, back down the mountain in Ferntree Gully, I learnt my mate didn't make it out and he along with 11 of his volunteer colleagues lost their lives.

"The next day, as the fire was being controlled and still smouldering we were sent back to conduct house to house searches and to look for survivors and those who weren't so lucky.

"I found six people who didn't make it. A total of 47 lives were lost and almost 4000 homes in one day.

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"Please don't be apathetic about the fire situation. You can't outrun the fires and everyone must heed the advice of the emergency services people, take every precaution you can to safeguard yourselves and your property and have a plan. Clear areas around your property.

"Ensure you have downloaded the NSW RFS app onto your phone, listen to the ABC radio and if you wish download the police and emergency services app where you can listen to up to date information on current fires being fought in and around the area.

"Each and everyone of our brave volunteer fire fighters deserve every bit of support we can give them.

"Our donations of money seems so small but I am sure if we all contribute, if we can all dig deep and provide whatever financial or other assistance we can give, that it will be greatly appreciated.

"I have to admit I was brought to tears when I saw Colin Munro from our local RFS return home after working 11 days down on the South Coast on the fire front.

"It was very special. I have the utmost respect for Colin and everyone else in the emergency services who day in day out put up the brave fight to keep us safe.

The Burrawang Wildes Meadow community day will begin at 4 pm until 6 pm at the Burrawang General Store and Cafe. Then at 7.00pm the village will head to the Burrawang Pub where DJ Alan Power will spin vinyl records for $5 a request and all proceeds will go to the RFS.

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