The Gospers Mountain fire which has burnt more than 500,000 hectares, roared through the Lithgow township just before Christmas and has left residents wondering, what next?

Cr Coleman said the fire was a constant topic of conversation no matter where she was and that's why she and Cr Leslie, felt the need to call a public crisis meeting.

"Whether I'm out doing my groceries, at the local club or at work, it's all about what happened on the 21st of December," she said.

She said at the meeting residents would be able to ask questions and express their concerns on the bush fire crisis.

"Residents will be able to ask questions and talk about their sadness, anxiety and fear or even their extreme gratitude to our fire fighters' efforts.

"They can ask whatever they want and I'll be asking questions too."

Cr Coleman said herself and Cr Leslie would be discussing the communications strategy for keeping Council and the community informed in emergencies.

"We must devise an effective strategy to deal with such emergencies now and in the future."

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She said she would also ask questions on the potentially dangerous trees on the side of roads and water rate rebates for residents who had been defending their properties.

She said the meeting was an opportunity for the community to come together and express how they're feeling as well as provide Council with feedback.

"This meeting is an opportunity for us [Council] as community leaders to listen," she said.

"Most people I speak with are very keen to express their feelings about the fire crisis at a public meeting."

Cr Coleman said Council needed an effective strategy moving into the future.

"We must learn from our mistakes and acknowledge what we did well and ensure we are putting our residents first," she said.

"Councillor Stephen Lesslie and I took the initiative and have requested that an Extraordinary Council meeting be called for that purpose".

Lithgow City mayor Cr Ray Thompson said the last Extraordinary Council meeting was held in January last year.

"There seems to be a recurring pattern, every extraordinary meeting we've held seems to be in January.

"This meeting will be a chance for everyone to find out what's been happening with the fires and have a discussion," he said.

The meeting is scheduled for 6.00pm at Lithgow City Council Chambers.

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