Calgary Fire Department provides update on ECCO landfill fire response

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) continues to lead a large-scale, multi-agency response to the ongoing landfill fire at the ECCO Recycling facility in southeast Calgary.

While crews have made significant progress reducing visible flames, the fire remains active beneath the surface of the waste pile. Thermal imaging continues to identify extensive underground hot spots, and smoke conditions may change quickly as winds shift, and suppression operations continue.

24-hour operations remain focused on cooling, containing and smothering the fire. Crews are applying soil over active areas of the landfill while using targeted water application to control hot spots and limit further fire spread. Significant improvements to site access have allowed additional heavy equipment and haul trucks to accelerate containment efforts. Crews strategically position firefighting equipment during daylight hours for nighttime operations as movement of heavy and firefighting equipment overnight is reduced due to low light conditions for the safety of the crews.  

As a result, residents in southeast Calgary may continue to see small fires or smell smoke, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Equipment is repositioned as quickly and safely as possible to knockdown hot spots. Smoke movement remains heavily influenced by changing weather conditions and wind direction.

Environmental monitoring continues throughout the affected area. Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continue to monitor air quality, while City of Calgary Water Services and environmental contractors remain on site managing runoff and conducting water quality monitoring.

To help residents access the latest information, the Calgary Fire Department has launched a dedicated landfill fire information page at calgary.ca/landfillfire. The webpage provides current incident updates including photos and video, links to resources and information, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Calgary Fire Department will continue to provide updates as significant developments occur.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom