A procession of trucks, about 22 in total, travelled down Kelly Street in Scone just after 7am.

It was part of a fire relief hay run – an event that took off on social media due to the Upper Hunter community’s eagerness to assist farmers who were affected by the Sir Ivan Bushfire.

Conditions that NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons described as “catastrophic” and “unprecedented” helped fuel the blaze earlier this month.

It tore through the towns of Dunedoo, Coolah and Uarbry in the state’s central west before eventually roaring towards Cassilis. 

The fire burned more than 54,000 hectares and destroyed over 20 homes.

In the aftermath of the disaster, schools, businesses, and local residents have continued to rally around the victims.

Ahead of the hay run, a fundraiser at Durham Hotel, Wingen, saw an estimated 200 people turn up in a strong show of support.

One of the organisers, Brad Smith, said the “Scone spirit” was well and truly on display.

“All up we raised about $25,000 on the night,” he said.

“We basically only had two days to collect everything, muster up donations and get people there.

“It totally exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“During the auction, things were selling for two or three times their value.

“Everyone really showed up for the cause and we’re so grateful to everyone who was involved.

“One truckload of hay was the initial plan, but that soon turned into about 22 trucks.

“They left the Scone Saleyards on Sunday and went down Kelly Street towards Muswellbrook.”

Other volunteers who helped organise the fundraiser at Wingen were Lachlan White, Mark Hemmings, and Mick Fitzgerald.