Fire Ban in Effect

Due to the increasingly dry conditions and higher fire danger ratings, the FIRE RESTRICTION has been upgraded to a FIRE BAN, for Saddle Hills County. 

This applies to all areas outside of the Forest Protection Area, including private land, crown land, and recreational areas.

Prohibited

All outdoor wood fires, including burning barrels, wood campfires be it on private land or in County campgrounds, campfires in back country or random areas, BBQ charcoal briquettes, fireworks and exploding targets, and burning of brush piles, windrows, or other debris.

Allowed 

Propane/natural gas powered appliances, open flame oil devices, such as turkey deep fryers or tiki torches, and indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer's standards. 

This FIRE BAN will remain in place until conditions improve. Fire danger levels will be reviewed daily and may be downgraded subject to available firefighting resources and fire weather conditions.

We expect the FIRE BAN to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Saddle Hills County, while allowing residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible.

Westmark

Westmark school District was formed in 1937-38, with the first trustees being Fred Janssen, Johann Oltmanns, Harry Sloat, Gunther Pankow (chairman), and Clara Oltmanns (secretary). The township 76-7-W6 became the school district with the school site being NW 10-76-7 W6 on the corner of Fred Egge’s homestead.

The school opened in 1938 with Mrs. Hazel Coogan, teaching 16 students representing 7 families. Other memorable teachers of the 1940s were Robert Hemphill, Pat Weisgerber, Mary Rowe, And Mrs. Arlene Olafson. In June, 1955, the school was closed and students bussed to Woking. 92 students passed through the doors of the school during its operation.

Source: https://southpeacearchives.org/finding-aids/westmark-school-district-4799-fonds/

 Have any stories or information you want to share about our history? Just drop us a line at communications@saddlehills.ab.ca.

With thanks to the South Peace Regional Archives

South Peace Regional Archives began operating in January 2000 as a project of the Grande Prairie Museum and a member of the Archives Society of Alberta. On July 30, 2007 the South Peace Regional Archives Society was formed.

All persons interested in having a voice in the preservation of archival records in the South Peace Country of Alberta are encouraged to become members.

South Peace Regional Archives logo

 

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Preserving Our History – Telling Our Stories

SPRA is a charitable organization. We welcome your donations through CanadaHelps.org

Contact Us

Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca

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