Queensland and South Australia have joined NSW in asking to sign up to the federal scheme to compensate volunteer firefighters, while Victoria and Western Australia remain in discussions with the Morrison government.

Thousands of volunteer firefighters have travelled across borders to fight blazes this season but only those from states that sign up to the Commonwealth plan will receive payments of up to $6000 each.

Thousands of volunteer firefighters have travelled across borders to fight blazes this season. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

Under the scheme announced on Sunday, volunteer firefighters who are self-employed or work for small or medium-sized businesses are entitled to a tax-free payment of $300 a day after 10 days in the field, capped at $6000 per person this year.

While seeking to join the scheme, several Queensland ministers have been critical of the federal government's decision to implement it in NSW first, the size of the payments and eligibility criteria.