Residents across southeast Calgary are being urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities as a persistent landfill fire continues to blanket neighbourhoods with smoke and ash.
The Calgary Fire Department issued a health advisory Friday for six communities downwind of the Ecco Recycling facility fire near 24th Street and Barlow Trail S.E., including Douglasdale, Quarry Park, East Shepard, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, and Copperfield.
The fire, which erupted Sunday, has proven challenging to fully contain as firefighters battle recurring ignitions from smouldering debris. Even as the Calgary Fire Department maintains active suppression efforts, the blaze continues to generate significant smoke that poses risks to vulnerable populations.
What Residents Should Do Now
Authorities are recommending residents in affected areas take several protective measures immediately:
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. Limit time spent outdoors, and reduce both indoor and outdoor physical activity. Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly family members, neighbours with health conditions, and others who may be more susceptible to smoke-related illness.
"While air monitoring reviewed on Sept. 10 found no hourly average readings above Alberta's ambient air-quality guidelines, residents in areas directly downwind of the fire may still experience smoke and related health effects," the Calgary Fire Department stated Friday.
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas began air-quality monitoring at the site Wednesday, with Alberta Health Services reviewing collected data throughout the week. Fire suppression and monitoring efforts remained active as of Friday afternoon, with officials not yet providing a timeline for full containment.
The situation continues to evolve. Residents concerned about air quality or experiencing respiratory symptoms should consult Alberta Health Services or contact local emergency services.
Originally reported by the Calgary Herald.