An "overwhelming" response from the CFA's Wangaratta Group saw 70 firefighters put their hands up to watch over the chalet from Friday to Monday.

And group deputy officer Lachlan Gales said it was obvious the historical building has "a place in the community's heart".

"We have been doing this a long time and I was pretty stunned by the response by our volunteer firefighters to take up the task of protecting the chalet," he said.

"The remarkable this is that these people are going up there knowing there might not be much activity, but are there just in case an ember attack hits.

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"They are stationed there as a precaution but the chalet is still under threat - the fire is active on Mount Buffalo.

"In the 24 hours after putting the call out for volunteers, I had more than 100 texts.

"This just shows how important the chalet is.

"It isn't the most glamorous or fulfilling work, but it is important."

Volunteer firefighter Marc Bongers, who was stationed at the chalet on Friday night, said he believes the building is "very well protected".

"It was quite a calm night when we went up there, the wind was moving away from the chalet," he said.

"But the work that has been done around the chalet is pretty extensive in terms of retardant lines, they filled the pool up, cleaning up vegetation and that sort of thing.

"The fire front isn't very close at this time.

"But a quick change of conditions it could very well climb up the side of the mountain and reach the chalet.

"There is someone up there 24/7 so if it comes we will be ready."

Mr Bongers said he personally "has a soft spot" for the chalet.

"I have never been there at night so it was incredible to be able to be shown the building and go inside it for a tour," he said.

"I was away most of the time between Christmas and new year and have been working so this has been my first opportunity really to volunteer.

"It wasn't very active work in a fire sense but important to be there all the same."