‘Place’ matters for firefighting. This research investigates the relationship between firefighters and landscape and considers how ideas about ‘local knowing’ and the meaning of place are transformed during fire responses. Local knowledge includes an attachment to place and familiarity with both place and community. During 2012, interviews were conducted with 68 Australian bushfire firefighters from selected agencies and volunteer brigades in contrasting localities: the north-east coast of Tasmania, the urban-rural interface of Canberra, and the farmlands of the Wimmera in Victoria. Stories of fire events and the various roles undertaken were recounted, and what emerged is how ‘place’ can present a conundrum for the firefighter.  We find local knowledge can play out in several ways. One is described as a strong drive to control the fire, where local firefighters feel compelled to ‘do their utmost’ and are aware of taking more risks to protect their community. Another is described as conflicting loyalties, between attending a local fire instead of staying and protecting one’s property and family. Local knowledge can assist firefighters to navigate tracks and understand local wind patterns and fire behaviour in familiar surrounds. Yet, the firefighter also knows the likely impacts on local community and valuable assets. This sets up a ‘paradox of place’, where the local firefighter brings an understanding of surrounds; however, distractions can emerge because of their attachment to place. Fire further afield presents many unknowns and potential hazards for the deployed firefighter because they do not have local knowledge, although this disconnect may also assist in cautiously negotiating unfamiliar surrounds and awaiting orders. We find that while local knowledge can advantage the firefighter, it may well compound issues of risk because of an attachment to place. This is one of our findings associated with the social and ecological aspects of fire and place.