SCOTT, La. (AP) – Fire protection services for the city of Scott are set for major improvements over the next year.

The Advocate reports the City Council last week approved plans to upgrade water lines in the downtown area, give incentive pay to volunteer firefighters and hire the city’s first fire inspector.

Scott Fire Chief Chad Sonnier says that by replacing 9,000 feet of old and undersized water lines, the Fire Department will be able to install 15 fire hydrants in the area.

The water pressure in the old lines is too low to sustain fire hydrants, forcing firefighters to rely on large portable water tanks.

The city also plans to use $50,000 to $75,000 as incentives for its 32 volunteer firefighters. Currently they do not receive money for their time or gasoline.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com