Firefighter killed in bush blazes named

The United Firefighters' Union has asked of Australia's fire brigades to observe a minute's silence in his honour before beginning their shifts on Wednesday.

"Mr Balfour was a well respected elected officer of the United Firefighters' Union, ACT Branch who served his fellow fire-fighters and the community at the highest level," UFU national secretary Peter Marshall said.

'Horrific tragedy'

"It is extremely sad that a person with such a strong record in promoting community safety has paid the ultimate price for its protection.

"On behalf of 13,000 firefighters nationwide, our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and colleagues," Mr Marshall said.

The government has also paid tribute to Mr Balfour, with Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin describing his death as a "horrific tragedy".

"All I can say to his family is that he has paid a terrible, terrible price and he'll certainly never be forgotten," she said.

Mr Balfour is survived by his wife and three children, aged nine to 15.

The 120 members of his ACT firefighting team are believed to be on their way back to Canberra on Wednesday.