1946 - Straw stack burns on farm
The Olds Gazette reported on a fire at an area farm. “Fire broke out at Brian Johnstons farm on the highway north of town Friday last when a straw stack ignited. The cause of the blaze was thought to be the result of a spark from the smoke-stack of a passing train. Mrs. Roy Johnston, who lives nearby, phoned the airport and Bowden for help, and a number of volunteers rushed to the scene. For a time it was thought the fire would become uncontrollable because of the high wind but by hard work of fire fighters, nothing but the stack and one building was destroyed. The men had to carry water a great distance and this hampered their efforts.”
1970 - Bonfire gets out of control
In a front-page story, the Gazette reported that a weekend bonfire caused damage to adjacent property. “Olds Volunteer Fire Department responded to a blaze in the wee hours of July 1 when, apparently, a bonfire lit by Canada Day revellers got out of hand, igniting a near-by barn. Four units and 13 firefighters were on the scene of the 2 a.m. fire on the northwest edge of town. Firemen believe that sparks from the revellers' bonfire ignited straw in the loft of the barn, which was totally lost to fire. Fire department spokesman Brian Sparrow reported the incidence of fire in and around Olds to have declined as of the end of May, a month which saw Olds' volunteers battling up to five and six blazes per week during the drought which was threatening this part of the province.”
1980 - Police work together to end spree
In a front-page story, the Gazette reported on efforts by area RCMP officers to end a crime spree. “A combined RCMP operation involving the Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer City and Olds detachments resulted in the apprehensions of two males responsible for in excess of 25 break-ins or attempted break-ins, involving businesses in the Rocky Mountain House, Red Deer, Innisfail, Bowden and Olds areas. Two 17-year-old males were apprehended. Most of the offences took place during the middle part of 1980, with the exception of two break-ins, which occurred during the latter part of 1980, in Bowden, Alberta. Overall the apprehensions resulted in the clearing up of eight break-ins in Olds and another seven in Bowden.”
1982 – Driver unhurt in train-car crash
The Olds Gazette reported on a train-car collision in Olds that could have turned out worse than it did. “An Eckville man walked away unscathed after the car he was driving collided with a freight train at the CPR level railway crossing on Hwy. 27. According to Olds RCMP, a 1979 Chrysler was struck by a southbound train and spun into a pickup truck waiting on the opposite side of the crossing for the train to pass. Police said Leonard Blackhurst, 23, was westbound on Hwy. 27 Friday and failed to stop for the flashing signal lights and bells when the 1:20 p.m. freight was passing through Olds. The train was also sounding its horn, he said.”
1986 - Quonset scorched
In a front-page story the Gazette reported on a fire at Olds College. “A fire Friday morning at one of the Olds College barns has been blamed on a unit heater. Fire chief Terry Dodd said a unit heater "probably backfired" and shot out flames. The flames ignited some plastic on the wall. The former sheep barn, a metal quonset, was being used as a foaling barn and a tack room. Deputy fire chief Leonard Brandson said the inside of the quonset "was pretty badly scorched." The fire was under control in an hour." The building sustained about $60,000 damage, said Dodd, noting it has not yet been determined if the inside of the building will be rebuilt.”
