Beekeepers checking on hives are some of the first people into fire-ravaged forests, and are not prepared for the traumatic sights and sounds of wounded and suffering animals.

NSW Apiarists Association president Stephen Targett said the situation in north-eastern NSW was "truly devastating" to beekeepers and extremely traumatic. "It's doing their heads in, the screaming animals, the animals that are in pain, that are crying out in the forest, it's absolutely horrific," Mr Targett said.