00;00;00;13 - 00;00;14;17
Thomas Ouellette
The new South Madison Fire Territory now includes Adams and Stoney Creek townships and the towns of Marksville, Lapel, and Ingles. South Madison Fire Chief Chris Nodine says the merger was in response to difficulties facing rural fire stations, including staffing.

00;00;14;19 - 00;00;26;03
Chris Nodine
This is the one way that the local governments of towns or the townships can provide a fire protection that is got paid staff. Volunteerism is drastically declining not only in this local community, but across the nation.

00;00;26;09 - 00;00;38;10
Thomas Ouellette
By being part of a larger fire territory, local stations will be able to pay their firefighters to work full time and give them benefits like a retirement plan for communities. No. Dean says they'll also see better response times.

00;00;38;16 - 00;00;47;12
Chris Nodine
The average turnout time for a paid department is less than 90s. You know, for a volunteer, it's you know, it could be upwards of 5 to 10 minutes.

00;00;47;15 - 00;00;56;24
Thomas Ouellette
No, nine says they plan to hire 30 new full time firefighters across the county in 2026. In Pendleton. Thomas Ouellette IPR news.