Large Fire at Southeast Private Landfill UPDATE#3

During the afternoon on Wednesday September 9, Calgary Fire Department (CFD) re-established fire operations at the private landfill between 24 Street SE and Barlow Trail SE. While contractor heavy equipment and fire suppression resources were beginning to arrive on scene, the fire was actively spreading and creating a large plume of smoke. 

Multiple fire engines and around a half kilometer of supply hose line was used to establish the water supply as firefighters deployed large volume portable master streams. Fire crews worked with heavy equipment crews to apply water to fire that was hidden beneath layers of waste and recycling materials and debris. Contractors set up several fire pumps and crews gradually cycled out Calgary Fire equipment while maintain the fire firefighting efforts throughout the evening and night. 

At around 4:00am, on Thursday September 10, contractor fire suppression equipment was fully operational and CFD continued to provide support.

The fire remains contained to the landfill of origin however smoke continues to spread over neighbouring businesses and communities. Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AB-EPA) have relocated some air monitoring instruments to adjust to the smoke direction of travel. Air monitoring data is collected and reviewed by Alberta Health Services.

Firefighting efforts have continued throughout the day as cycles of effective knock down and ignition of fire in different areas occur as smouldering fires are under covered. A fire break was established on one end the fire which has helped reduced the spread of the fire. With each cycle of ignition, there is a corresponding increase in volume of smoke. The public can expect to observe this continued cycle as fire operation continues.

Please contact 811 Health Link with any questions or concerns regarding air quality or smoke exposure.

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