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HAYLEY Bird and 50 neighbours have painted their town red to pay tribute to the firies and are encouraging others to do the same for National Red Balloon Day.
Residents of Darraweit Guim woke to red balloons on their letterboxes and signs of thanks along the main street on Monday morning.
Miss Bird, whose father is captain of the local brigade, said the red balloons were a symbol of thanks.
"I wanted to pay tribute to all of the firefighters that came down and helped us out," she said.
"Seeing what (my father) has been through over the past week and what everyone else has been through - everyone has been working hard non-stop."
Fire threatened the town last week as emergency fire crews and residents worked to protect their homes.
Miss Bird, 18, said flames had almost destroyed her family's home and the firies had done a terrific job.
She said her dad broke down in tears after seeing the balloons on Monday.
"My dad broke down in tears," she said.
"There were quite a few tears shed by everyone.
"We had lots of people come out just to take photos."
Miss Bird said she knew about National Red Balloon Day and encouraged others to support it.
"I would encourage it because it shows your support for the CFA and everyone else," she said.
"It is a great idea and hopefully people get involved."
National Red Balloon Day is on February 28, the last day of the fire season.
Bendigo women Jody Hardiman and Aleasha Gilbert, along with two others, set up the national campaign to thank firefighters for their efforts.
For more visit www.nationalredballoonday.com