The NSW government has been forced to defend itself amid claims they could be doing more to help our firefighters.

There are more than 100 fires burning across NSW at the moment, with the Gospers Mountain fire in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains still unable to be contained.

Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, a group of 29 former emergency service bosses, has also accused the federal government of being “asleep at the wheel” when it comes to climate change.

NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliott has defended his government’s efforts amid concerns there are no plans to relieve weary volunteer firefighters.

“The NSW RFS is the largest firefighting force in the world.

“We are the world leader.”

He says the NSW government’s purchase of a Boeing 737 water bomber was the first time an Australian state government had purchased such a plane.

“It takes 15,000 litres of water and air retardant anywhere in the state within an hour and is refilled within nine minutes.

“It was probably the smartest purchase that Gladys Berejiklian has ever made when it comes to our emergency services.”

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Image: Getty/David Gray