ECCO Recycling Facility Fire: updates and progress
Incident overview
The landfill fire was reported on Sept. 6, 2026, at the ECCO recycling facility in southeast Calgary.
Unlike structure fires, landfill fires can burn deep below the surface for extended periods. These fires require specialized suppression methods, heavy equipment, continuous monitoring and significant amounts of soil to isolate and extinguish burning material.
With an estimated volume of one million cubic metres, the affected area is approximately 43,000 square metres, about the size of eight Canadian Football League (CFL) football fields, with some areas reaching 20 metres in height.
It is estimated that over 27000 cubic meters of soil have been applied to the slope since the start of the operation. Fire crews have not required water to extinguish any hot spots for over two weeks as soil capping has been effective at suppressing the fire.
Heavy equipment has been used to reshape areas for more effective soil capping, and the soil cap is estimated to be at 95%.
Our efforts remain focused on actions that reduce smoke impact on neighbouring communities. This includes identifying hot spots, applying water where required and using soil to cap and smother remaining areas of fire.
Drone footage shows overhead views of the ECCO landfill fire on Sept. 24, 2026.
Timeline of events
What residents need to know
Please remain aware of changing conditions where you are located. Exposure can vary based on distance from the fire, wind direction and speed, time spent outdoors, and proximity to visible smoke or odours.
People in areas affected by smoke may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, increased mucus production, coughing or headaches. Residents who experience these symptoms should reduce their exposure to smoke where possible, especially vulnerable groups such as children, youth, seniors, pregnant individuals and those with asthma, heart disease or other underlying health conditions.
We encourage those impacted by the smoke to limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed when smoke is present, and contact Health Link by dialing 811 if they have concerns about smoke-related health impacts.
Please view the Air Quality section below for information on current conditions.
Air quality information
Check current conditions at Air Quality Health Index | Alberta.ca, which includes landfill-related air quality reporting.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas continue to monitor air quality, while City of Calgary Water Services and environmental contractors remain on site managing runoff and conducting water quality monitoring.
Air quality can change significantly over short distances and over short periods of time. Monitoring stations provide important information but may not reflect conditions experienced at every location.
The highest potential for smoke exposure remains in areas directly downwind of the fire. Individual exposures may vary considerably depending on distance from the fire, wind direction and speed, time spent outdoors and other variables. As a result, some individuals may experience poorer air quality than indicated by the monitoring network, while others may experience little or no impact. Measured parameters are compared against the Alberta ambient air quality objectives and guidelines 2024 - Open Government.
Residents should continue to consult provincial air quality conditions at Air Quality Health Index | Alberta.ca or consult most recent Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas statements: Calgary landfill fire: Minister Hunter | alberta.ca.
Community impacts
The communities listed below may experience smoke depending on wind and weather conditions.
Impacts can change quickly and may affect other areas not included on this list.
- East Shepard
- Remington
- Copperfield
- New Brighton
- McKenzie Towne
- Quarry Park
- Mahogany
- McKenzie Lake
- Douglasdale
- Seton
- Cranston
- Chaparral
- Lake Bonavista
- Riverbend
- Parkland
- Legacy
- Deer Run
- Altadore
- Ogden
Previous updates and media releases
- Oct. 5, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 24, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 23, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 22, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 21, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 20, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 19, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 18, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire update
- Sept. 17, 2026 – Calgary Fire Department provides update on ECCO landfill fire response
- Sept. 16, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire status improved but poses continued challenges
- Sept. 15, 2026 – ECCO landfill fire under control while hotspots and air quality concerns persist
- Sept. 13, 2026 – CFD crews continue to manage ongoing fire at southeast Calgary landfill
- Sept. 12, 2026 – CFD remains on scene at the landfill fire in southeast Calgary
- Sept. 11, 2026 – Smoke from southeast landill fire prompts health advisory
- Sept. 10, 2026 – Large Fire at Southeast private landfill update #3
- Sept. 9, 2026 – Large Fire at Southeast private landfill update #2
- Sept. 7, 2026 – Large Fire at Southeast private landfill update
- Sept. 7, 2026 – Large Fire at Southeast private landfill
Photos and videos
Please see our news releases above for the latest photos and videos.
Drone footage shows overhead views of the ECCO landfill fire on Sept. 9, 2026.
Images
Above, September 22: The pile shows reduced smoke and visible flame due to capping and suppression efforts. Additional dirt and clay have been brought to the site and spread across fire areas, while heavy equipment compacts material, helping limit the movement of heat, smoke and air.
Above, September 18: Fire remains under control, with continued smoke as crews continue working toward full extinguishment.
September 15
September 10
September 9
September 9
Contact information
Health Concerns:
Call Health Link at 811
For Media inquiries:
Frequently asked questions
Is the fire out?
No. The fire is under control, meaning it is contained within the landfill site and does not present an immediate risk of spreading beyond the facility. Suppression and firefighting operations continue.
Why is there still smoke if the fire is under control?
Landfill fires often burn below the surface. Smoke can increase temporarily when crews expose buried hot spots to extinguish them.
Why are crews using dirt instead of only water?
Covering burning material with soil is an industry-standard approach for deep-seated landfill fires. Water is also used, but excessive water can create operational challenges and may not fully extinguish underground burning material.
Is my drinking water affected?
At this time, there are no public advisories regarding Calgary's drinking water related to this incident.
What caused the fire?
The cause is under investigation.
How long will this fire last?
Although we should be able to control the smoke within the next few days this incident could last weeks or even months until onsite fire risk is fully mitigated. Unlike a structure fire, landfill fires can burn for extended periods beneath the surface, making them difficult to locate and extinguish. These factors require a specialized, long-term suppression strategy involving heavy equipment, dedicated fire suppression contractors and continuous monitoring.
What is the cost of this incident?
A fire of this scope also requires significant resources, however it’s too soon to determine cost of this operation or its overall impact.
Can you comment on enforcement or the responsibility of the operator?
In terms of the site operator, we (The City) cannot comment on the recent judgement against ECCO or ongoing litigation pertaining to landfill site. Any history of non-compliance is part of an injunction application that is still before the courts.
Which communities have been impacted by smoke?
Communities impacted by smoke include:
- East Shepard
- Remington
- Copperfield
- New Brighton
- McKenzie Towne
- Quarry Park
- Mahogany
- McKenzie Lake
- Douglasdale
- Seton
- Cranston
- Chaparral
- Lake Bonavista
- Riverbend
- Parkland
- Legacy
- Deer Run
- Altadore
- Ogden
What should residents be aware of regarding this fire?
While the fire itself is under control, smoke may persist. Residents should remain aware of changing conditions where they are located. Exposure can vary based on distance from the fire, wind direction and speed, time spent outdoors, and proximity to visible smoke or odours.
People in areas affected by smoke may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, increased mucus production, coughing or headaches. Residents who experience these symptoms should reduce their exposure to smoke where possible, especially vulnerable groups such as children, youth, seniors, pregnant people and those with asthma, heart disease or other underlying health conditions.
Residents can check current conditions through Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index: https://www.alberta.ca/air-quality-health-index
What should I do if smoke is affecting me?
Limit exposure, stay indoors when smoke is present, keep windows and doors closed, and contact Health Link by dialing 811 if you have health concerns.
What do we know about provincial air quality monitoring at the site?
Residents can check current conditions at Air Quality Health Index | Alberta.ca, which includes landfill-related air quality reporting from the Province of Alberta.
Please note that air quality can change significantly over short distances due to wind patterns, terrain, and local conditions. Therefore, monitoring results may not reflect individual exposures at all locations. As a result, some individuals may experience poorer air quality than indicated by the monitoring network, while others may experience little or no impact. Air quality measurements are compared against the Alberta ambient air quality objectives and guidelines 2024 - Open Government
The Court has ordered an injunction against the ECCO recycling site, what is The City doing to make sure they are following it?
The City has deployed a mobile CCTV to city property near the ECCO recycling site to monitor and ensure compliance with the Court Injunction.