ECCO recycling fire burning for two weeks as petition for permanent closure nears 1,000 signatures

A fire at ECCO recycling facility in southeast Calgary's Shepard Industrial area has been burning for two weeks as of Saturday afternoon, prompting a petition drive for the site's permanent closure.

Aymie Rondeau, a Quarry Park resident of 13 years, launched a Change.org petition demanding the facility at 10114 – 24 Street S.E. be shut down permanently. The petition had garnered nearly 1,000 signatures by Saturday afternoon. "My ask is that no further renewals, amendments, extensions, etcetera, be permitted or provided, and that they are forced to work towards an accelerated reclamation plan. Get the site cleaned up," Rondeau said.

The fire site borders Shepard Industrial and the residential communities of Quarry Park and Douglas Glen. Rondeau witnessed thick black smoke blanketing the community when the fire peaked last week while she was out of town. She noticed the smell upon returning to Calgary on Tuesday and has experienced headaches since. With two dogs at home, she is hesitant to walk them due to smoke conditions.

Calgary Fire Department reported Friday afternoon that the fire remains under control, with crews focused on accessing, isolating, and extinguishing buried burning material. Fire crews have identified several underground utility access points buried beneath landfill material, believed to be contributing to fire reignition by allowing oxygen to travel underground through pipes and culvert systems. Crews are attempting to cap visible openings and pile soil around elevated openings to restrict airflow.

Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth said the burn could take weeks to fully extinguish. As of Saturday, fire officials reported smoke conditions had improved, though residents in the area may continue to experience localized smoke and odours. "Smoke conditions can change as crews excavate and extinguish buried hot spots and as weather conditions shift," the Calgary Fire Department said. Residents may continue to see smoke, smell odours, and see visible flames as crews expose and douse buried burning material.

Rondeau expressed concern about long-term health impacts from prolonged exposure to the plume, and raised general public safety concerns about the site. ECCO holds a provincial permit to continue operations until June 2027 (EPEA Approval 19045-02-00). The City of Calgary development permit prohibited acceptance of new landfill waste after December 31, 2024. The city has sought and been awarded a court injunction on storage of dry waste at the site, and is pursuing legal action to force discontinuation of operations and decommissioning of the dry waste landfill.