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.
Current estimates indicate approximately 6,000 cubic metres of soil will be needed to cover and smother remaining areas of fire. Fire crews are applying water to hot spots and spot fires as required to allow heavy equipment operators to safely move dirt into necessary areas. Water runoff is being monitored and collected to keep our storm waters systems safe. Heavy application of water can negatively impact road access and erode areas where dirt has already been spread.
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. 9, 2026.
Timeline of events
What residents need to know
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 individuals and those with asthma, heart disease or other underlying health conditions.
Residents affected by smoke are encouraged 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.
Residents can also check current conditions through Alberta’s Air Quality Health Index: https://www.alberta.ca/air-quality-health-index
Air quality information
- Current air quality: Alberta Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
- Air monitoring information: Alberta environmental air monitoring
What monitoring has shown:
Earlier this week, provincial air monitoring at the MAML identified one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) hourly concentration exceeding the Alberta ambient air quality guideline (Sept. 13 15:00-15:50). No other exceedances were noted.
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.
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
Previous updates and media releases
- 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
Please see our Sept. 16 press release and Sept. 15 press release for the latest photos and videos
Contact information
Health Concerns:
Call Health Link at 811
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
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?
On Sept. 13, air monitoring at the province’s Mobile Air Monitoring Laboratory identified one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) hourly concentration exceeding the Alberta ambient air quality guideline (Sept. 13 15:00-15:50). No other exceedances have been noted.
However, 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