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Alberta to Release Air Quality Data on Smoke From Stubborn Calgary Landfill Fire
Calgary officials are pressing for air-monitoring results as crews work to contain a fire that has reignited at the former ECCO landfill.
Calgary Fire Department crews continue working around the clock to manage a landfill fire at ECCO Recycling that sparked September 6, reignited on September 9, and has burned since.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter deployed a mobile air-monitoring laboratory to assess the site, which contains dry construction materials and has not accepted new waste since 2024.
Residents report sore throats and coughing, with Riverbend resident Fredrick Helfmann describing the smoke as the "worst awful toxic smell." Health officials advise those experiencing symptoms to contact Health Link via 811.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Councillor Rob Ward requested immediate public release of air quality data, stating residents "deserve clear, verified information and full transparency" from provincial authorities.
The office for Minister Hunter confirmed it will release air quality data "as soon as possible," while fire crews expect to remain on-site for days to fully extinguish deep-seated burning material.