Calgary crews cap underground openings at ECCO landfill fire to stop re-ignition

The Calgary Fire Department says the ECCO Recycling facility landfill fire in southeast Calgary remains under control, with activity confined to the landfill site as crews work toward full extinguishment. The fire department continues suppression operations at the site.

During the last operational period, crews identified several underground utility access points buried beneath landfill material. The fire department says these openings are believed to be contributing to re-ignition by allowing oxygen to travel through underground pipes and culvert systems, feeding hidden hot spots below the surface.

Crews are capping accessible openings to restrict airflow. Some access points are elevated above the surrounding ground area or located in difficult-to-reach areas, requiring additional soil placement before they can be safely accessed and sealed.

Fire suppression efforts remain focused on locating and extinguishing hot spots, reducing smoke impacts and preventing re-ignition. Water application is being used strategically to knock down active hot spots and support earth-moving operations.

City of Calgary Water Services continues to manage contaminated runoff associated with suppression activities. Residents may observe vacuum trucks operating near the site and hear generators running as crews extract contaminated water from stormwater infrastructure and redirect it to appropriate treatment systems.

The fire department continues to use drone and thermal imaging technology to identify hot spots, monitor fire behaviour and support suppression planning.

Crews are seeing unauthorized drones flying over the ECCO incident site. Residents are reminded that unauthorized drone activity near emergency operations creates significant safety risks and can interfere with response efforts.

Transport Canada prohibits drone use within the perimeter of a first responder emergency operation. Breaking these rules under Transport Canada regulations can result in steep Administrative Monetary Penalties up to $3,000 for individuals. Drone operators are asked to stay clear of the incident area.

For the latest information, visit calgary.ca/landfillfire.