A BENDIGO business is throwing its support behind the country's firefighters and is encouraging others to do the same. 

Comfort Inn Julie-Anna will display red balloons and thank you posters printed in the Bendigo Advertiser in the lead up to National Red Balloon Day on February 28.  

Owners Tyrone Jones and Jenny Lewis-Jones said they were only too happy to show their support.  

Mr Jones said the hotel hosted firefighters from Queensland who were in Bendigo to support the Department of Environment and Primary Industries recently.  

"I guess it's really about the support and the job they did for us in our local area to ensure that we are all safe," he said. 

"It's a thankless job as well.  

"These guys are putting their lives at risk to save people, property, and stock.

"They're fantastic people."  

Mr Jones said he drove through Kilmore last week and was amazed at how close the fires came to destroying houses. 

"Volunteers are pretty special people, it's not only the CFA but thousands of others out there," he said. 

"This is just our little way to say thank you to (firefighters) for the efforts they have made in the area over Christmas." 

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. 

Residents are encouraged to buy a red balloon and tie it to their letter boxes, gates or fences as a symbol of thanks. 

The Bendigo Advertiser is looking for other businesses and residents who are getting behind the campaign. 

Email your photos to madeleine.wines@farifaxmedia.com.au or cos@bendigoadvertiser.com.au 

Alternatively, upload your photo to Instagram and use the hashtag #nationalredballoonday

The Bendigo Advertiser will publish photos online. 

For more information go to www.nationalredballoonday.com.au