CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Fire crews in Cherokee County will soon have extra firefighters, according to the agency.

Cherokee County firefighter staffing

What we know:

The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Department is increasing the minimum number of firefighters on each truck. The agency said all trucks will operate with at least three firefighters on board, up from the minimum of two. All aerial apparatus, or ladder trucks, will have at least four firefighters on board, up from the minimum of three.

The department said this change will increase civilian and firefighter safety. Leaders also cited a study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology that found fire crews with three firefighters can complete critical tasks 25 percent faster than crews of two.

The d

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