The Greens say the wildfires still burning in Christchurch makes a debate at Parliament about making sure our firefighters are well supported, all the more poignant.

Jan Logie has told the House her heart goes out to all those affected, especially the family of helicopter pilot Steve Askin.

She said the select committee has seen 104 written submissions and 47 spoken submissions on this - and it shows the importance these changes are made properly.

Ms Logie said one of those is making sure volunteers, who make up 80 percent of the country's fire service, are looked after.

"It is really really encouraging to see that the Bill identifies volunteers as personnel. Those volunteers that are putting their lives on the line and giving up so much of their time."

Labour MP Clare Curran said recent wildfires show we need to break down the silos at local and national level fire services.

She was speaking at the second reading of the Internal Affairs Minister's Fire and Emergency New Zealand Bill.

Ms Curran said the wildfires burning in Christchurch's Port Hills, show the exact reasons as to why we need fire services that work together.

"We have some issues that we have to address urgently in this country around good communication, around breaking down the silos and can I commend the Minister, Labour is supporting this Bill."