"Today's announcement is about ensuring our volunteer firefighters can keep focused on the job at hand."

Morrison urged other large employers to do the same although he acknowledged that the solution does not directly address those working for smaller businesses or who are self employed.

While Burford says that work leave entitlements are important, she emphasised that the community's gratitude offers its own immeasurable reward.

"It's very heart-warming to see that they really appreciate what we're doing to protect them," she said.

While missing their families, the bond between members of the RFS is strong and Burford said it is worth remembering that they chose to be part of the organization -- through the good times and bad.

"Even though we're not with our family, we're with our RFS family, because that's what it is for us, it's like a second family. So we don't necessarily see it as missing out, we're the ones that have put our hands up to do this," Burford said.

"But it's also very important for us to recognize why we do it -- we're giving up our time to protect communities."

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