A volunteer firefighter killed after being struck by a falling tree in northern NSW is being remembered as an inspiration, with more than a decade in the Rural Fire Service.

The RFS has paid tribute to 75-year-old Leo Fransen, who was killed while battling the Hudson fire near Walgett on Thursday afternoon.

“Captain Leonardus (Leo) Jacobus Fransen was an enthusiastic and committed life member of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Brigade, which he joined in 2010,” the RFS said in a social media post on Friday.

“This will have a significant impact on his brigade, his district and the wider RFS family.”

Walgett is about 100 kilometres south of the Queensland border and 500 kilometres west of Coffs Harbour.

Fransen was was the captain of the Diamond Beach rural fire brigade, near Taree on the mid-north coast.

He was part a strike team on day one of a three-day deployment. Fransen’s team had been battling the fire in and around the small mining community of Glengarry.

Crew members with Fransen performed first aid on him until paramedics arrived. He was then taken to a Lightning Ridge medical facility, where he died.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers paid tribute to Fransen on Friday.

“He was a very active member of the RFS and obviously our thoughts are with his wife Margaret, his daughter Julia, and his son Paul,” he said.

“These things are incredibly difficult for everyone involved.”

The RFS said Fransen’s death would be felt deeply.

“But Leo’s ultimate sacrifice demonstrates the daily risks faced by our firefighters. He will continue to inspire his fellow members and form part of our enduring memory,” it said.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said Fransen’s death was a reminder of the dangers faced by “heroic” firefighters while protecting Australian homes and lives.

Last month, fellow RFS volunteer Senior Deputy Captain John Holmes died after suffering a medical episode while tending to a blaze at Bean Creek, about 15 kilometres north of Bonalbo.

The Hudson fire was at watch and act level on Friday. It has burnt through more than 21,000 hectares.

Properties in the Glengarry area are being assessed for damage, with warnings dangerous weather conditions could exacerbate the fire.

-with AAP