Full Breakdown
Southeast Calgary Landfill Fire Raises Air-Quality Alerts
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Ongoing Response
A fire ignited at the former ECCO Recycling and Energy Corp. landfill in southeast Calgary in early September. Firefighters initially suppressed the blaze, but it reignited within days and has continued to smolder deep within piles of dry construction debris. The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) reports that the fire is burning hotter and deeper, requiring more than 11 million litres of water each day. Smoke has drifted toward nearby communities—including Douglasdale, Quarry Park, McKenzie Towne and New Brighton—prompting health advisories for seniors and residents with respiratory conditions. Provincial officials deployed a mobile air-monitoring laboratory; the first analysis showed no hourly-average readings above provincial air-quality objectives.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Councillor Rob Ward sent a joint letter to Alberta’s government urging the immediate release of detailed air-quality data. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter confirmed the deployment of the mobile lab and the expedited analysis of samples. ECCO Recycling issued a statement noting that the site now contains only dry construction materials and has not accepted new material since 2024, while expressing appreciation for residents’ patience. Assistant Deputy Chief James Docherty warned that smoke can aggravate asthma, pregnancy and other health issues, and advised those with comorbidities to limit exposure. He also indicated that crews will remain on-site for several more days to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over the weekend, a lot of residents that live near the site of the ECCO Recycling fire have just expressed concerns about the air quality,” — Coun. Rob Ward
- “This is similar to when we have our forest fires. You know, smoke is not a great thing to inhale in any level,” — Asst. Deputy Chief James Docherty
- “If you do have comorbidities: asthma, you're pregnant, any type of health issue, just make sure that you try and stay away from the smoke and just be cognizant of your exertion.” — James Docherty
- “I appreciate [for] the community, it's been a rough week,” — Coun. Ward
Next Steps
Provincial health officials will continue daily air-quality monitoring, and the CFD plans to maintain water suppression efforts until the fire is fully out. Residents are urged to stay indoors when smoke is visible, keep air filters clean, and follow any future health advisories issued by city or provincial authorities.