(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

New location

County of Stettler introduces Heartland Regional Fire

Oct 17, 2025 | 5:28 PM

The County of Stettler announced that Heartland Regional Fire is now fully operational.

This means the county’s fire service has moved to a new location called County Station 1, located in the Heartland Business Centre.

Heartland Regional Fire is staffed by 22 volunteer firefighters who are on call and join the station from the previous joint station. They represent 161 years of combined fire service experience.

There will also be two full-time staff members who will provide support and training for four regional fire stations.

The 22 members will work alongside the county’s three existing County fire stations in Big Valley, Donalda, and Byemoor. These three stations also have 31 volunteer firefighters.

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The County extends its thanks to the Town of Stettler for its years of regional partnership in operating the Stettler Regional Fire Department.

“We look forward to the continued development of our commission model to better service our regional fire operations. We will continue to work closely with the Town and our other mutual aid partners to provide excellent emergency response to residents and visitors, and to support each other wherever needed,” said Larry Clarke, Reeve for the County of Stettler No. 6.

The county says Heartland Regional Fire will provide a high level of professional, reliable, and responsive service that residents have always received.

“We would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteer firefighters for their continued professionalism and service to our communities. Their commitment and teamwork are the foundation of our success as we move forward,” added Clarke.

Chief Troy Auton will continue to lead Heartland Regional Fire, supported by Manager of County of Stettler Fire Services Ivan Dijkstra, who provides direction, support and operational oversight.

The name Heartland Regional Fire was chosen in early October by the steering committee representatives from the County of Stettler, the Villages of Big Valley and Donalda, and the Summer Villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands.

“Together, with our regional partners, we will continue building a strong, unified, and responsive fire service that considers our diverse regional needs and priorities, and proudly serves the residents and visitors of our region with excellence, professionalism and care,” Clarke said.