Smoke from southeast landfill fire prompts health advisory

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) is advising residents in areas downwind of the ongoing fire at the ECCO Recycling landfill in southeast Calgary to take precautions as smoke conditions have worsened. 

Vulnerable groups such as children, youth, seniors, pregnant women, and those with asthma, heart disease or other underlying health conditions should limit outdoor activities and move indoors if they see or smell smoke. Residents with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should monitor their symptoms, continue taking prescribed medications and follow the advice provided by their healthcare professionals. 

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AB-EPA) has deployed portable and mobile equipment to monitor air quality near the fire since September 9. Air monitoring data is collected and reviewed by Alberta Health Services. While air monitoring reviewed on September 10 found no hourly average readings above Alberta's ambient air quality guidelines, residents in areas directly downwind of the fire may still experience smoke and related health effects. The greatest potential for smoke exposure remains in areas directly downwind of the fire, including Douglasdale, Quarry Park, East Shepard, McKenzie Town, New Brighton, Copperfield, and other neighbouring communities. 

People in areas affected by smoke may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, increased mucus production, coughing or headaches. Residents who experience these symptoms should reduce their exposure to smoke where possible.  

CFD recommends residents in affected areas: 

• keep windows and doors closed, including attached garage doors 
• reduce physical activity indoors and outdoors, as needed 
• turn furnace thermostats down and furnace fans to the minimum setting. If you have a forced air system to heat or cool your home, upgrade your furnace filters to the highest efficiency filter your system can handle. 
• avoid using ventilation systems or whole-house fans that bring outdoor air into the home
• keep air conditioner fresh-air intakes closed and filters clean
• close fireplace dampers on wood-burning fireplaces
• use a high-quality air filter or air cleaner/purifier, if available
• check on family members, neighbours and others who may be more vulnerable to smoke
• call Health Link at 811 if they have health concerns related to smoke exposure
• seek immediate medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain or other medical emergencies  

Residents should remain aware of changing conditions where they are located. Exposure can vary based on distance from the fire, wind direction and speed, time spent outdoors, and proximity to visible smoke or odours.  

Please contact Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered nurse if you have questions or concerns related to smoke exposure or air quality. In a medical emergency, including chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention. 

Fire suppression and air quality monitoring continue at the site. 

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