FIREFIGHTERS in Glasgow are ready for the demand on the service over the festive period - even if there is the added pressure of an Old Firm game at Hogmanay.

Group three at Govan Fire Station will be working throughout the holiday and the popular fixture will take place on their patch at Ibrox stadium for the first time since Rangers were promoted to the Scottish Premiership.

Watch manager Garry Miller, who has eight firefighters in team, said: "It will be massive regardless of Hogmanay.

"It is predicted there is going to be added tension with early drinking.

"There is going to be road closures, extra police and pubs may close early."

He added: "But we are ready.

"We train all the time, we are ready for everyday.

"I am ready for tomorrow, I am ready for my night shift, I am ready for Christmas day and Hogmanay."

Firefighter Andy McCaffery added: "I have always found the Old Firm a busy day."

The team at Govan will be joining their emergency service colleagues across Scotland by working throughout the festive period.

And similarly the biggest problem on their service during the festive period is alcohol.

Firefighter David Gray said: "The worst fire I ever saw was in Broomloan Court in Govan a few years ago.

"The whole living room was back to the brick.

"Everything in the house was burnt but the beer cans survived."

Watch manager Garry added: "We attend all variety of house fires at this time of year but usually alcohol is involved."

A real issue for the firefighters in Govan at the moment is festive candles which have caused several house fires.

Watch manager Garry said: "We were at house fire in Renfrew which was caused by a tea light candle.

"The candle was on a TV unit, the householders went to the pub leaving the candle lit and it destroyed their house.

"Their house was thick with black smoke ceiling to floor.

"The living room was destroyed with windows blown out and plaster off the ceiling.

"So their Christmas has been destroyed through decorations and getting into the party mode with a few drinks."

Like anyone who is working through the festive period, the toughest part of the job for firefighters is missing out on that valuable family time.

Watch manager Garry said: "New year is really flat in here. If you are not working, you are going to be out partying and socialising with your family.

"My birthday is also the 31st and I know I am coming in here the next day.

"You miss the kids at Christmas, there no doubt about it.

"I have got two daughters, we all love our families to bits so you try to catch that moment or spend that bit of time with them.

"They adjust to our timetable, they work about us and it's not fair on the family."

The banter between the firefighters, however, will get them through.

Watch manager Garry said: "That’s the highs and lows of the job. If you go to a road traffic accident and someone has been killed. We have to come back here and deal with that, and it is the banter that keeps us sane really."

That banter comes through when the Evening Times ask the Govan team what their festive safety message is.

Firefighter Gavin McColl joked: "Bring all your biscuits to your nearest fire station," before his boss Garry added: "We are also partial to Quality Street."

In all seriousness though, the group are keen to make people aware of the consequences of drinking too much alcohol.

Watch manager Garry said: "The message is enjoy yourself, have a drink but try and remember to stay safe."