Study questions firefighters role and costs.

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Despite the dramatic drop in the number of fires, Ontario continues to hire more firefighters.

A study released Thursday by the Fraser Institute shows a significant increase in the number of firefighters in the past 16 years but the study also raises questions about the changing role of firefighters amidst the fiscal realities facing the municipalities that pay their salaries.

The report found the number of firefighters in Ontario rose significantly between 1997 and 2012, despite a dramatic drop in the number of fires.

During the 16 year period, there were 40% fewer fires in Ontario however the number of firefighters, grew by 36%. the study also pointed out, that less than 10% of response calls were for actual fires.