CALGARY- Efforts to fully extinguish a major fire at the Ecco Recycling facility in Calgary are ongoing, prompting the Calgary Fire Department to ban unauthorized drones over the site. Although the fire remains under control, firefighters are working intensively to locate and extinguish remaining hot spots, reduce smoke, and prevent re-ignition. Fire crews are utilizing drones and thermal imaging technology to accurately assess the fire’s behavior and direct suppression efforts.
Officials emphasized that public drone activity near emergency operations creates severe safety risks and interferes with response efforts. Transport Canada strictly prohibits drone use within the perimeter of first responder emergency operations, and those caught violating the rule face fines of up to $3,000.
The fire at the private landfill originally began on September 6 and was declared under control the following day. However, fire crews were called back on September 8 when conditions degraded. By September 9, fires had reignited across several waste piles, creating heavy smoke that led the fire department to issue a health advisory on September 11. By September 15, the blaze was brought back under control, though complete suppression work continues.
