Calgary Landfill Fire Contained After Week of Smoldering

More than a week after igniting, a fire at a former landfill site in Calgary's southeast is now under control, the Calgary Fire Department stated on Tuesday. While crews continue efforts to fully extinguish all flames and hotspots, the containment marks significant progress.

The fire, which initially sparked at the ECCO Recycling and Energy Corp. site on September 6, proved challenging for firefighters. Difficult ground conditions and deep-burning materials within the landfill required innovative tactics, including capping the fire with a substantial amount of dirt.

Air quality remains a concern for nearby residents, particularly for vulnerable populations like the young, elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions. Some individuals have reported symptoms such as headaches and sore throats, with one family reporting their asthmatic child required hospital care.

In response to the incident, the province has announced a review of its waste storage regulations. Current rules lack limits on the size or height of storage sites and do not mandate annual reporting, prompting consideration for stronger oversight, including potential size and height restrictions and mandatory reporting.

ECCO stated that the landfill contains only dry construction material and has not accepted new material since 2024. The company recently faced a $30,000 fine for breaching municipal bylaws.