Mutual aid partners help Regional Emergency Services extinguish large scrap metal fire

Firefighters from across the region successfully extinguished a large scrap metal fire at a local business located at the RMWB Landfill site on the weekend.

Shortly after 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Fort McMurray firefighters responded to a report of heavy black smoke coming from the landfill site. The first crews arrived to find a significant fire within a large scrap metal pile at the Sunset Recycling site.

Mutual aid assistance requested

Requests for heavy equipment and additional resources from rural departments and industry partners were issued. Pumpers and tankers responded from Anzac and Saprae Creek fire departments, and firefighting teams and resources from Suncor and Syncrude fire departments provided mutual aid assistance.

Working in shifts, firefighters fought the blaze throughout the night and well into the next day. After 18 hours, fire crews were still dousing hot spots deep in the pile. The last units left the scene shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday. 

Regional Fire Chief commends collective effort

On behalf of the municipality, Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz expressed his appreciation for the collective effort of municipal and industry firefighters to extinguish this stubborn fire.

“This was an important reminder of how our regional model and partnerships are important strengths,” said Chief Butz. “By working together, we help keep communities safe.”  

No structures were impacted from the fire and no injuries were reported. Although the metal recycling business is temporarily closed. the fire did not impact regular landfill operations.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.