The NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister says he has called an independent inquiry into the Tathra fires to debunk union claims there is a "turf war" between the rural and urban fire services.

Key points: An investigation will take place into the bushfire that consumed Tathra, destroying homes on Sunday

An investigation will take place into the bushfire that consumed Tathra, destroying homes on Sunday The Fire Brigade Employees Union says that there is a "turf war" between the urban and bush fire services

The Fire Brigade Employees Union says that there is a "turf war" between the urban and bush fire services Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant says the firefighters did an amazing job to ensure there was no loss of life

This morning, the NSW Government announced an independent review into the Tathra fire that claimed 69 homes as it tore through the south coast town.

The announcement comes after the Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) accused the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) of rejecting offers of support from Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) because of an ongoing "turf war" between the two fire services.

The RFS handles bush fires and Fire & Rescue responds to fires in towns and cities.

Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said the investigation would centre on the call-taking and dispatch arrangements of both fire services.

Juvette Jory, Jerome Jory and Jason Davis tried to escape the blaze on Tathra's beach on Sunday. ( Supplied: Steve Jory )

"This is the way we will take away any ambiguity, take away any questions that come up and take away the opportunity for union opportunists who are preying on the suffering and misery of victims at the most inappropriate time," Mr Grant said.

"I'm filthy and disgusted at their tactics and behaviour."

Mr Grant also referred to an upcoming union election as a motivator for the union to make these allegations of dysfunction between the two agencies.

"I've spoken to retained firefighters and full-time firefighters — they are disgusted by their own union's tactics here."

The Emergency Services Minister also said he believed the relationship between the two state fire services and their commissioners was excellent.

"I've never seen the two firefighting agencies work better together," he said.

An independent inquiry will investigates events surrounding the Tathra fire. ( ABC News: Peta Doherty )

Keelty experienced hand for fire inquiries

Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty will lead the review.

Mick Keelty led an inquiry into the 2012 Margaret River bushfire. ( Alan Porritt, file photo: AAP )

"Mr Keelty has the credentials and the experience to properly review the operational response to the Bega Valley fire, having led an independent inquiry into the 2011 Perth Hills bushfire and the 2012 Margaret River bushfire," Mr Grant said.

"His expertise will ensure an independent assessment of the events surrounding this natural disaster."

In 2011 the former AFP commissioner handed down a damning report on the Perth Hills fire which destroyed 71 homes in Western Australia's capital.

The head of WA's Fire and Emergency Services Authority was asked to step down afterwards.

Mr Keelty's 2012 report into the Margaret River bushfires which destroyed 40 properties also recommended major changes — although in that inquiry he insisted no individuals were at fault.

Review to examine communication issues in Tathra

The inquiry has been called amid reports the first information many Tathra residents received about the bushfire was a text message to evacuate.

Mr Grant said the immediate priority was to stop the fire and any review would not begin until the community was able to return to their homes.

"Our focus is on the recovery effort. This isn't the time to be pointing fingers," he said.

"This is the time to be wrapping our arms around all those victims in Tathra, putting every recovery resource we have at their disposal to get them back on their feet."

Mr Grant said despite the loss and damage to property, no lives were lost and 398 homes were saved, which was "thanks to the hard work" of all firefighters involved.

An official coronial inquest will also examine the emergency response to the Bega Valley fire.