An Esperance farmer killed in the firestorm in the southeast of WA while trying to direct people to safety has been described as a "magnificent icon in the community".
Kym Curnow - affectionately known as Freddy - was a man who was always willing to help others - and it seems that was how he died.
The 45-year-old father-of-three was driving door to door warning people to evacuate their homes, when the wind changed and he became trapped.
The Scaddan farmer was one of four people killed along with three backpackers who were believed to be working on farms in the area.
State Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Wayne Gregson said the deceased were travelling in two separate cars, and their bodies were found in the fire area of Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and surrounding areas in Esperance overnight.
Esperance Shire councillor Paul Griffiths said Mr Curnow was an important part of the community and someone who was always willing to help others any way he could.
Mr Griffiths said the local farmer had been trying to direct people to safety when he died.
He said those actions were a true testament to him as a person, describing him as the "little man with a big heart".
"He was always helping people," Mr Griffiths said. "He was trying to direct people and was trying to help out.
"He's just a magnificent icon in our community."
Mr Griffiths, who was also a football umpire, said Mr Curnow was a huge part of the local football community, having played for Gibson for many years.
He said Mr Curnow was still donning the boots each week, despite being in his mid-forties.
"He was just a leader in the footy club," he said. "He said he was always helping his football club, never had any issues and was always jovial.
"He was just a leader, he was an icon."
