The Jingellic fire captain was forced to drive around to farms to get firefighters into trucks during the height of the Upper Murray fires.
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With mobile service down local RFS captain Alby Maras said despite "floating the idea of carrier pigeons" driving to each members properties was "the only option".
"Out here we rely on our phone so much and as captain I was trying to get all the members into trucks and out fighting the fires but I couldn't get onto them," he said.
"It was bloody hard to get any warnings out to locals as well.
"Trying to get onto anyone was a nightmare, I was driving around knocking on doors.
"The fire was very intense and widespread and was hard to contain and get to because of the terrain and build up of fuel over the years.
"It is something I never want to experience again."
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Mr Maras said despite having some frustration towards Telstra and the lack of reception at the beginning, he now understands the extent of the damage.
"Coming up here and seeing the extent of he damage it was clear nothing was surviving the fire," he said from the new tower on Friday.
"It is all good now and now we are all moving towards that rebuilding stage.
"The other problem we are now facing are the water issues.
"After the fires moved on we thought yes we are having rain but then it all came in big deluges and washed all the debris and soot into the waterways.
"And the Murray is just a wreck with all the dead fish.
"Unfortunately you get over one obstacle with the fires and you face another with the rain.
"But we band together and the Jingellic community and the towns surrounding us are doing alright.
"We are a strong community and with the recovery committee, which was formed basically straight away, we are putting the money and donations where they are needed."
Mr Maras wanted to thank all the RFS volunteers, community members and others who "pulled through at some of the worst times".
"It just goes to show how great the community spirit is and for all those people who sent donations and everything - how great is Australia," he said.
"It was a terrifying time but everyone has been working hard to get us back up and running."
