Calgary, AB,
14
August
2019
|
11:22
America/Denver

Calgary fire crews battle challenging recycling fire

At approximately 8:40 on the evening of Tuesday August 13, Calgary fire crews were called to a recycling business for a fire. When fire crews arrived at Quarry Park BLVD and 24 Street S.E., they found multiple bales of compressed recyclables on fire. Firefighters immediately started applying water and foam.  With the nearest hydrant approximately 500 metres away, additional apparatus called tenders were called to the scene to shuttle water to the fire engine. 

Firefighters fought the fire throughout the night. Assistance was provided by the recycling company which used track hoes to help move the recycling bales in order to provide better access to the deep seated fire. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera (T.I.C.) during the night to find hotspots as the burning recyclables were moved and exposed by the heavy equipment. The challenge is that there are many bales in big piles located on the property which cover a large area. This makes it difficult to gain quick access to the moving fire. 

The Calgary Fire Department hazardous materials team is on site performing air monitoring and an environmental protection officer from Alberta Environment and Parks is also on scene.

No injuries have been reported as a result of this fire and Calgary fire crews continue to fight the fire.  This incident is expected to be on going throughout the day and perhaps longer. The cause is currently under investigation. 

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