For the Rural Fire Service (RFS), nothing beats the tradition of a quiet Christmas day.
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This year they are hoping not to jinx it, but they have lasted a few years without being called to a serious incident.
This is good news for volunteers, meaning they can enjoy a relaxing day with their family.
MIA District Inspector Jason Wall said in his time, he has only has only seen one call out.
“The only call I had, was we had a lightening storm go through Christmas Eve, and I ended up with eight fires, and we lost one at Hillston, searched everywhere and couldn’t find it,” Jason said.
“It popped up again the next day, so the volunteers were out between 9 and 2, and then they went home for Christmas lunch and it was the last we saw of that fire.”
MIA District Officer Scott Connor said their work around this time of year is very weather dependent.
“We pray that the weather is nice so it allows everyone to have their Christmas with family.”
“Even the larikins who are going around lighting fires and stealing cars and setting them alight, they are all at home with their families too or keeping out of trouble.”
“But if things do go pear shaped, we are here to help support the volunteers get through it all. And the volunteers are happy to drop everything and go out.”
While the celebration means enjoying a glass or two of alcohol, Officer Stephen Kada said some volunteers will forego this tradition or make certain provisions in case of a call out.
“Volunteers have to always be on call, so some will sit with their pagers eating dinner in case it goes off,” Stephen said.
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Volunteer for the Gidgell Brigade John Stuckings says he ends up spending the day with his family.
“I spend the day hoping I don’t get any phone calls,” he said.
“Otherwise I am spending it with the grand kids.”
“We normally spend Christmas Eve in Leeton with our daughter, and we get back about 10pm, and then spend the rest of the time with the in-laws in Coleambally.”
John said he was been a volunteer with the RFS for about 45 years, and says he has never had a call out.
“I know my dad got called out one day, but normally it’s pretty quiet,” John said.
In the time leading up to Christmas, the station as a team has their own traditions.
The crew will put up lights and decorate the courtyard at the station, making the Christmas atmosphere shine.
And not to mention the Secret Santa, with a nice Christmas lunch on the last working day.
