Highlands fire rescue signed on a record number of recruits with 17 new members this month. On average the department sees six to eight new recruits.
For the first time the department opened volunteer firefighting positions to nearby non-residents. Four Saanich and three Langford residents signed up.
"This is hugely beneficial for us to let out-of-district people apply," said acting fire chief Dean Ford. "They are here because they want to be firefighters. They are volunteering to help another community."
Highlands also offered residents the opportunity to volunteer as a firefighter, first responder or a combination of both. Four recruits signed up for the medical duties and one volunteered for traffic control.
Five Highlands residents are also being trained as both firefighters and first responders.