As efforts to fully extinguish the blaze at Ecco Recycling continue, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) says nearby residents may still see periods of smoke, steam or localized fire. Crews are currently focussed on identifying and treating areas of elevated heat within the landfill pile. They’re also placing soil over targeted areas of the landfill to help smother deep-seated hotspots, reduce the amount of oxygen reaching heated areas and limit smoke production. “While progress is being made, crews continue to monitor isolated areas of concern within the landfill pile that have experienced intermittent flare-ups,” said a Monday news release. The fire at Ecco Recycling began on Sept. 6 and was declared under control the next day, at which time it was released by to Ecco for continued monitoring and work to maintain the site. But fire crews were called back on Sept. 8 to monitor conditions and work to again suppress the blaze. By Sept. 9, fires had ignited in several spots and began spreading throughout piles, resulting in heavy smoke. The fire continued, and on Sept. 11, the CFD issued a health advisory due to the smoke. By Sept. 15, the fire was again under control. It is not yet fully extinguished, but it remains contained. “The Ecco landfill fire remains a complex, long-duration incident,” said CFD. “Extinguishing deep-seated hotspots within the landfill pile will require continued suppression, monitoring and soil-placement operations in the days ahead.” Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is monitoring air quality in and around the landfill area.
