DESPITE calm conditions on Christmas Day and a low fire danger rating, Bendigo CFA firefighters remained on-call to ensure the community made it through the day safe and sound.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A group of seven firefighters were on-call at the Bendigo Fire Station on Hargreaves Street during the day, but that didn't mean they missed out on quality family time.
The firefighters' families cooked a traditional Christmas lunch to share in the station's main undercover area, having in previous years had lunch up in the station tearoom.
Senior station officer Tim Bruechert said they always appreciated having their families join them at the fire station for Christmas.
"It's an opportunity for those of us wanting to enjoy a little bit of Christmas lunch with our families," he said.
"Some wives came along and helped cook a Christmas lunch."
A long table was set up with a variety of roast meats, vegetable sand puddings, and a generous helping of good cheer.
The fire trucks remained on standby nearby and the water bomber was ready to go in an emergency.
Mr Bruechert said Christmas time could occasionally be a busy time for the brigade.
"Sometimes a person's Christmas lunch might go up in flames," he said.
"We've been fortunate this year that we haven't had too many issues with Christmas lights."
The weather crept towards 30 degrees on the day, but low winds meant fires were unlikely.
Mr Bruechert said they would remain on standby throughout the Christmas period.
"Hopefully everyone stays nice and safe during the hot weather," he said.
"Today has been a great day though, there's hardly any wind."
