ECCO landfill fire under control while hotspots and air quality concerns persist

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) advises that the fire at the ECCO Recycling facility in Calgary's Shepard Industrial is under control. This does not mean that the fire is out, but that the strategies, tactics and resources assigned continue to make a positive progress. Crews continue to work with contractors and partner agencies to fully extinguish the fire using specialized landfill fire suppression techniques.

The affected area covers approximately 43,000 square metres, or the equivalent of eight Canadian Football League football fields or around six soccer pitches, making this a large and complex fire suppression operation. The strategic goal is to cap and smoother the remaining fire with dirt. Current estimates indicate approximately 6,000 cubic metres of soil will be required to cap and smother the fire, enough material to cover two football fields with a 60-centimetre layer of earth. This approach follows industry best practices for extinguishing deep-seated landfill fires and preventing re-ignition.

Fire crews are applying water to hot spots and spot fires as required to allow heavy equipment operators to safely move dirt into necessary areas. Water runoff is being monitored and collected to keep our storm waters systems safe. Heavy application of water can negatively impact the road access and erode areas where dirt has already been spread.

The incident began on September 6, when CFD crews responded to reports of smoke and fire at the private landfill. Firefighters encountered challenging conditions from the outset, including limited site access, difficult ground conditions and fire burning deep within landfill materials. These factors required a specialized, long-term suppression strategy involving heavy equipment, dedicated fire suppression contractors and continuous monitoring.

Unlike a structure fire, landfill fires can burn for extended periods beneath the surface, making them difficult to locate and extinguish. As crews expose buried hot spots and burning material, periods of increased smoke and visible flame can occur. While these flare-ups may appear concerning, they are an expected part of the suppression process and indicate crews are accessing and extinguishing hidden fire.

Fire activity remains confined to the landfill site and significant progress has been made over the past week. Current efforts remain focused on identifying hot spots, applying water where required and using soil and clean fill to cap and smother remaining areas of fire.

Air quality monitoring continues

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continue to monitor air quality in communities surrounding the fire. Monitoring indicates that smoke-related fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains the primary air quality concern associated with the incident. Air quality conditions can change quickly depending on weather and wind direction. 

Current assessments indicate the overall health risk for most Calgarians remains low. However, individuals in areas affected by smoke may experience temporary symptoms such as eye, nose or throat irritation, coughing, headaches or worsening of existing respiratory conditions. People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, young children and pregnant individuals may be more sensitive to smoke exposure. 

Residents affected by smoke are encouraged to limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed when smoke is present, and contact Health Link by dialing 811 if they have concerns about smoke-related health impacts. Residents can also check current conditions through Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index: https://www.alberta.ca/air-quality-health-index 

CFD thanks Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Calgary Police Services, Alberta Health Services, City of Calgary Waste & Recycling Services, contracted suppression specialists and neighbouring businesses for their continued support during this prolonged and complex incident.

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