Calgary fire crews battle third blaze at Ecco Recycling landfill in southeast
Fire started Sunday evening at the facility between 24th Street and Barlow Trail S.E., still burning Monday. The landfill has faced repeated incidents and resident complaints over waste handling.
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Calgary Fire Department crews are working to extinguish a blaze at Ecco Recycling that began Sunday evening, August 6 at 7 p.m. The fire was still burning as of Monday mid-morning, with the facility located between 24th Street and Barlow Trail S.E.
This is the third fire in seven years at the landfill. A 2022 fire at the site caused air quality problems in nearby areas. Residents have repeatedly criticized the facility over massive trash piles and waste not being properly contained, with large accumulations of trash blowing into surrounding neighbourhoods.
Firefighters face a significant challenge: the closest fire hydrant is nearly a kilometre away. To maintain water pressure, crews are using extra hoses and pumper trucks to combat the blaze.
The source material does not specify the cause of the fire, whether anyone was injured or evacuated, or the current status as of publication.
What caused this fire, and what enforcement actions has the City taken against Ecco over its waste handling practices in recent years?
Which neighbourhoods experienced air quality impacts from the 2022 fire, and what pollutant levels were recorded?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Where is Ecco Recycling located?
Ecco Recycling is located in southeast Calgary between 24th Street and Barlow Trail S.E.
How many fires have occurred at Ecco Recycling in recent years?
Three fires have occurred at the landfill in seven years, with the most recent one beginning on August 6.
What challenge do firefighters face at the site?
The closest fire hydrant to Ecco Recycling is nearly a kilometre away, requiring crews to use extra hoses and pumper trucks to maintain water pressure.
