CFA volunteers are not only preparing for the fire season ahead, they're expected to turn up the heat against the Victorian government's newly introduced Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy this summer.

The controversial new tax replaced the previous fire services property levy and is currently hitting every household, farm and business, expected to raise an additional $610 million this year for the government, with Rural City of Wangaratta ratepayers forking out an additional $2 million of that.

Victorian Fire Brigades Victoria District 23 president and veteran Wangaratta firefighter, Garry Nash, said the “unjust tax” has been a “particularly big kick in the side” for CFA volunteers.

“For the government to portray it as a volunteer fund is so far from the truth it's just not funny,” he said on the weekend, as CFA brigades across the rural city, Mansfield and Benalla local government areas he represents held Get Fire Ready events to help their communities prepare for the fire season ahead.

“The CFA is only receiving about 20 cents in the dollar of this tax which councils are being forced to collect for the government, with the bulk going into fund existing government departments and public sector agencies in place of general revenue.

“The CFA is not receiving enough funding to keep us to the level we need to be...the impact from this government tax is pretty catastrophic.”

CFA brigades across the state fought against the new tax being brought in, seeking a “fairer” levy to help fund emergency services, which are constantly under budget pressure amid more frequent natural disasters.

Mr Nash said CFA volunteers are as committed as ever to protecting their communities, but the surge capacity of CFA to respond to any major campaign fire could be tested.

"The wonderful thing about volunteers is that they step up and respect the position they're given and our volunteers have indicated they will not let their neighbours or their communities down and will be there," he said.

"However, when they look at all the challenges the government throws at them I suppose there will be some reluctance for many who may not step up to be part of strike teams (for major fires across the state or interstate) because they cannot afford the time away when they know they have this tax to pay going forward so it's a bit of a catch 22.

"Those that can can, will do what they can.

"Unfortunately there has been no incentive or encouragement from the state government to appreciate and endorse what volunteerism is to Victoria.

"CFA volunteers throughout the Hume district have been very respectful of the way things are and haven't run rogue....they've stayed on-line to respond to all fires.

"But many brigades and districts are expected to step up the fight against this unjust tax, attending ag shows across the North East handing out info to scrap the tax.

"Brigade members and community businesses will step up intensity to scrap the tax.

"It looks like the only time this will be revisited is at the ballot box, with the Coalition indicating they would repeal the tax if they got in."

Mr Nash said it was critically important metropolitan and city people understood the impact the tax was having on country and regional areas.

"I encourage any community members who feel disenchanted the tax to write to the government about it" he said.

"If people want to see change they need to highlight it and call it out."

South Wangaratta CFA brigade captain Brendon French said his members don't agree with the government's tax, but they are not going to put their community at risk.

He said members have in the past gone on strike teams but some will be hesitant and "it will be up to individual people".

"We'll do what we have to do to keep our community safe," captain French said.