Historic Ogema fire wall destroyed by strong winds

What was once a powerful symbol for a small Saskatchewan town was reduced to little more than rubble after a powerful wind storm.

Ogema, a small town about 115 km southwest of Regina, is known for its fire wall. It was a long brick wall built in 1915 to protect wooden structures from fires.

However, the wind storm that blew through the province Wednesday was too much for the historic wall.

The Ogema fire wall, before and after its destruction in a windstorm on Jan. 13, 2021. (submitted/Kassi McCabe)

Carol Peterson, the mayor of Ogema, explained some of the history.

She said a blaze in January 1915 caused massive damage to the mostly wooden buildings of the town.

When the citizens of the town asked the government for funding to build a wall, they were declined.

“The government said the wall wouldn’t last five or 10 years, so they wouldn’t allow it. The citizens of Ogema went ahead and built the wall anyway, because they felt that they needed it so they wouldn’t lose one side of Main Street,” she said.

In the modern age, Peterson said the wall was more of a historical symbol than anything overly practical.

“It shows the tenacity of the citizens. That’s kind of the way we are,” she said.

She said the town’s people are also passionate about preserving history.

“It was really something to see. It was 70 feet long, but what we’re looking at today is (about) 65 feet of emptiness. It’s quite a mess,” she explained.

Peterson would like to see it rebuilt, but isn’t sure if the town will be able to raise enough money. Council will make a final decision at a later date.