Firefighters in the RM of Woodlands are getting a raise. This week the RM's Council approved an increase in compensation to their local volunteer fire department, who are paid hourly wages when on the scene of an incident. Reeve Trevor King notes their firefighters are a valued asset in the community, and they try to give them an increase that's equal to, or greater, than the cost of living increase.

"The increase isn't great, and we do it every couple of years. It's the cost of living that we compare it to or other wage increases for the staff in the municipality. We try to keep it fair to the point where they feel they're worth something. They deserve those increases just as much as anybody else does."

King notes they're also increasing the monthly retainers paid to the fire chief, and deputy fire chief. He notes those two positions are municipal staff, but the volunteer firefighters are paid only when they're responding to an incident.

The RM of Woodlands has about 20 volunteer firefighters, with the main fire hall located in the town of Warren.