Smoke continues to rise over parts of Calgary as firefighters work to bring under control a persistent fire at former dump in the city’s southeast. The smoke has been drifting overhead of the Ecco Recycling Landfill since Sunday, affecting residents and workers living near the site who say they have had enough. One resident said the situation isn’t just annoying — it’s unhealthy for people who live or work in the neighborhood. “I think that’s pretty annoying and not healthy for whoever live or work here ” the resident told CTV News. Another neighbour pointed out the smoke could be especially dangerous for those with breathing problems like asthma or other lung conditions. Fire crews are using high-volume water hoses, machinery and dirt to cool down hot spots beneath piles of demolition and construction waste. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has praised the dedication of the Calgary Fire Department and the waste and recycling team. “I just want to acknowledge the bravery of our Calgary Fire Department well as our waste and recycling service staff ” he said. Ecco Recycling says it stopped accepting waste back in 2024, but earlier this year a local landowner association reported garbage was still being dumped at the site. It’s an area Farkas is calling to see more accountability over. “This really demonstrates the requirement for penalties for bad actors ” he said. He added he has been speaking with provincial cabinet ministers to figure out what steps can be taken. His office did not say who exactly he meant by “bad actors.” In a statement, ECCO Recycling said it has already contacted Alberta’s environment ministry and asked investigators to look into whether the fire was started on purpose. The company also thanked neighbors for their patience during this time. Meanwhile, the Calgary Fire Department said a significant part of the fire has been extinguished. Crews are still monitoring the site for any signs of heat or flames. The department says it’s working closely with Alberta Environment to check air quality regularly. Residents are being advised to stay informed keep windows closed and avoid activity if they feel unwell.
