KIM LANDERS: Experienced fire management staff who've been made redundant by the New South Wales Government say they're being asked to return to help fight fires - without pay.

As the bushfires continue to burn, the former staff are being used to help manage vast areas of national parks that have been affected by the blazes.

Isobel Roe reports

ISOBEL ROE: It's the toughest bushfire season many firefighters have seen.

Last week as several fires flared to emergency level for a second time, New South Wales Emergency Minister David Elliott wanted everyone available on the job.

DAVID ELLIOTT: It is very much, pardon the pun, all hands to the pump.

ISOBEL ROE: AM has learned even some of those who've been made redundant by the state's National Parks Department are back on the fireidentified.

He told the ABC he's doing a similar job but now he isn't being paid and he knows of at least a dozen others who are volunteering their time managing the fire response, through the Rural Fire Service.

Stewart Little says he's not surprised former staff want to help.

STEWART LITTLE: You know, people in those jobs, I mean, you don't become a park ranger because you are going to make heaps and heaps of money but it is vocation.

I mean these are people who are committed to the environment.

ISOBEL ROE: The New South Wales Government cut $121 million from national parks in the 2016-17 budget, resulting in the loss of about 100 ranger jobs

Another $80 million was cut in the latest budget.

In a statement to the ABC, the National