Fire at Shepard Landfill Compost Facility
On July 15th, 2024, at approximately 6:50PM the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) received multiple calls in the city’s southeast for smoke in the area. Crews were dispatched to the 12000 block of 68 St southeast where they found very large volumes of dark smoke in the Shepard Landfill site. The area impacted was on the eastern side of the site in the compost plant and smoke could be seen from all areas of the city.
Once crews entered the compost facility, they found large amounts of fire in two soft sided structures as well as fire within a conveyer machine. Firefighters utilized large caliber hose lines and elevated aerial streams to access the seat of both fires and quickly bring both under control. The fire was contained due to the coordinated efforts of firefighters from 13 apparatus and 36 firefighters in the initial stages. Crews were also able to work with onsite staff to confirm that the buildings were unoccupied.
Fire crews worked alongside crews from the compost plant to isolate and remove burned materials from the structures with heavy equipment. Prompt 911 calls and a 3-minute response by Calgary Fire aided in keeping the fire to the areas of origin.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and fire investigators and plant staff remain on scene.
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