Killed fireman 'courageous': NSW coroner

A NSW coroner has praised a fireman who died working "courageously in difficult circumstances" while fighting a pub blaze more than three years ago.

Daniel Howard, 37, was crushed when a wall collapsed and fell on him at the New Occidental Hotel in Cobar, in the state's west, in 2014.

On Friday, Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame also paid tribute to the man's mother Genevieve Howard as she handed down the findings into her son's death.

"She attended each day of this inquest to make certain no wrongful criticism was made of her son. These findings make it clear none is warranted," Ms Grahame said.

She also recommended Fire and Rescue NSW RNSW increase education and training, and develop mentorship programs.

Speaking outside Glebe Coroners Court, Ms Howard said she wanted her son to be remembered for making life safer for the people left behind.

He was "funny, hardworking" and "loved his job", she told reporters.

The inquest heard Ms Howard found out about her son's death several hours later when a friend called to pass on their condolences.

Ms Howard never received "official notification" and believes hundreds of people knew about her son's death before she did.

"She remained hurt and dissatisfied by the treatment she received," Ms Grahame said.

Counsel for the Howard family submitted a "next of kin support person" should be appointed to assist grieving families in future tragedies.

"Ms Howard's anger at how she was informed of Daniel's death is understandable, and I hope that further reflection on the issue by Fire & Rescue NSW will mean that these systems are continually improved," Ms Grahame said.

She said the cause of the fire was an accidental ignition in the hotel's ceiling.

The hotel went up in flames about 7.30am on August 16, 2014.

A number of firefighters present on the day gave evidence at the inquest, with Ms Grahame saying their grief and respect for Mr Howard was "palpable".

There was evidence firefighters were told not to go close to the building.

Several firefighters gave conflicting answers during the inquest about how much training they'd received about the dangers of structural collapse.