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AUSTRALIA has responded to National Red Balloon Day in a big way.
Almost 3000 red balloon purchases have been made through the website despite it only going live a few days ago.
The official Facebook event has attracted about 6197 attendees, with the number increasing every hour.
Organiser Jody Hardiman said she was overwhelmed with the public's response to the campaign.
"That is only in two days, we have five weeks left," she said.
"I think we are going to end up placing a second order of balloons.
"When we get to 4500 we will reorder.
"I will see how the orders are going at that stage to see what we need.
"It just keeps growing and growing."
National Red Balloon Day will take place on February 28, which is the last day of the fire season.
Ms Hardiman said the national day was a chance for people to thank firefighters for the work they do to keep communities safe.
"It is about saying thank-you to the firefighters right across Australia for their dedication and hard work," she said.
"They do such a great job, I don't know why there hasn't been anything before."
Ad Infinitem Promotions ordered the official balloons, with the order arriving yesterday.
Ms Hardiman said people are encouraged to tie a red balloon to their letterbox, fence or front door as a symbol of thanks.
She said people did not have to buy an official balloon but instead could use a generic red balloon or a red ribbon.
"We don't care what it is out there, as long as you are thanking the firies," she said.
The idea was born after Ms Hardiman became aware of a similar event in Geelong.
Ms Hardiman, Aleasha Gilbert from Bendigo, Steve Lang from Frankston and Craig Hamilton from Benella are coordinating the campaign.
To buy a balloon visit www.nationalredballoonday.com
Balloons cost $1 and can be bought in packs of one, five or 10.