Big business is pulling together to set up a $25 million fund to help the children of volunteer firefighters who have been killed and has enlisted former governor general Peter Cosgrove to coordinate millions of dollars of additional assistance from business to rebuild torched communities.

The Business Council of Australia is also calling on all its members to offer 20 days paid leave to staff who are volunteering in the fire fight, in line with leave commitments announced by the big four banks, Qantas, Virgin, Wesfarmers and Woolworths.