Emergency crews, gas stations busy on Christmas

BRISTOL, Virginia -

Not everyone was home for the holiday. First responders are just some of the people who have to work on Christmas. For them, it's just another Tuesday. "Our day is normal. Just like any other day. We'll be washing and checking the truck and equipment," said Lt. Richard Thompson with the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department.

He said they tend to see more fires on holidays, especially from turkey fryers. "Makes a good turkey, but if you drop in the turkey too fast the oil will bubble over you have a fire," said Thompson.

The holiday also keeps the Bristol Life Saving Crew busy. But Lt. Catrina Christi said that being away from home doesn't mean you have to be away from your family. "We have family members drop by, bring us breakfast, lunch or dinner," she said.

And many of the crews will be having a festival feast of their own. "Everybody gets together and cooks. So we'll have a meal, hopefully," laughed Thompson. "We try to eat with the fire department. When we can. Make it our own little family holiday," added Christi.

For people on the road, there are other options for a meal, including a buffet with all the fixings at the Petro in Glade Spring. "We've seen a little bit of everybody. Families traveling to see families. Truck drivers who can't be home with their families," said Zelma Booth, an employee.

But many people said it's not that bad working on Christmas when you work with great people and it's like your home away from home. "Fire service, what most people don't understand is, it's a brotherhood. We're here 24 hours a day. This is our second family," said Thompson. "They're like our dads and brothers and sisters. We look out for each other. It makes the holidays easier to get through," Christi added.

Emergency crews are extra busy this time of year because so many people are traveling which also means more car accidents.