A HIGH country farmer credited with saving a remote government station in the 2006 Licola fires has been charged with a fire offence.

Kevin Higgins, 49, of Licola North has been charged with lighting a fire and leaving it unattended without a 3m break around, an alleged breach of the Summary Offences Act 1966.

Mr Higgins plans to contest the charge related to the burn at Glencairn in August.

The Licola farmer and tourist operator is a local who helped save Department of Sustainability and Environment's Surveyor Creek Camp in December 2006.

During the height of the bushfires Mr Higgins spent several days back burning around the DSE's facility, which can house up to 150 people, after the department withdrew staff from the area.

Licola neighbour Mark Coleman said Mr Higgins actions saved the DSE facility and it was "the only bit of country that didn't get completely burnt".

Mr Higgins also worked at the Glencairn CFA base and oversaw about 50 volunteer fire fighters as the fires raged.

Mr Higgins will appear at Sale Magistrates Court on January 21.