ECCO Landfill Fire Update- Sept 19
ECCO landfill fire remains under control as crews continue targeted suppression efforts
The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) continues suppression operations at the ECCO Recycling facility landfill fire in southeast Calgary. The fire remains under control, and crews are focused on accessing, isolating and extinguishing buried burning material while maintaining environmental and public safety monitoring.
Heavy equipment operators continue building and reinforcing access routes throughout the affected area to safely reach remaining hot spots and areas requiring additional soil cover. Overnight, water application was intentionally limited in some locations to allow newly constructed routes to stabilize. These routes are essential for supporting heavy equipment and maintaining access to isolated portions of the site. Excessive water can soften road surfaces, increase erosion and hinder ongoing suppression efforts.
Operational crews observed some improvement in smoke conditions overnight; however, residents may continue to experience localized smoke and odours as suppression activities progress. Smoke conditions can change as crews excavate and extinguish buried hot spots and as weather conditions shift.
Additional truckloads of soil and clay continue to arrive on site to support suppression efforts. Soil placement remains a critical component of landfill fire suppression, helping crews isolate burning material, reduce oxygen flow and minimize the potential for re-ignition. As operations continue, new soil is also being placed in areas where cover material has been disturbed during excavation and hot spot removal.
Crews continue making progress in the southern portion of the affected area, where operations are focused on accessing, isolating and extinguishing buried hot spots.
During operations near an underground utility access structure, workers reported an unusual odour. As a precaution, the Calgary Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team assessed conditions within the structure and surrounding work area. The assessment confirmed conditions were safe and operations continued as planned.
Residents may continue to see smoke, odours and occasional visible flames as crews expose and extinguish buried burning material. These flare-ups are an expected part of landfill fire suppression operations and do not indicate worsening conditions.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continue air quality monitoring in and around the affected area and surrounding communities. Monitoring equipment remains deployed near the incident to track air quality conditions and help inform public health guidance. Please visit Air Quality Health Index | Alberta.ca for more information from the province.
CFD reminds residents that unauthorized drone activity near emergency operations creates significant safety risks and may interfere with response efforts. Drone operators should stay clear of the incident area and comply with all applicable Transport Canada regulations.
Please visit calgary.ca/landfillfire for more information regarding the incident and links to additional resources and information.
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