Special air quality statement in effect in Calgary following landfill fire 

Firefighters are still working to extinguish a fire that started late Friday evening at a landfill in southeast Calgary.

On Saturday morning, Battalion Chief Paul Frederick told CBC News that the fire is now under control, but it is still smoldering and "producing a significant amount of smoke."

Around 8:10 p.m. on Friday, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) responded to multiple calls about a plume of smoke emanating from ECCO Recycling and Energy Corp, near 24th Street and Quarry Park Boulevard S.E., in the Quarry Park area.

Smoke could be seen from various points in the city; flames could be seen from nearby roads. When crews arrived, they saw large volumes of smoke coming from a "large rubble pile landfill," a CFD news release said. 

Firefighters went to the top of the landfill where landfill staff were using heavy equipment to try and extinguish the fire, the release said.

Staff used a large bulldozer to put out the fire, but it sustained mechanical failure and was "quickly overcome" by the fire, the release said.

The operator was able to get out unharmed, it added. But once the bulldozer was engulfed in flames, the fire spread to construction materials across the area, Frederick told CBC News. 

The landfill mostly contains construction waste and dry fill. Frederick estimates the fire grew to the size of four football fields.

Getting water to douse the flames was a particular challenge for firefighters, because the nearest hydrant was about one kilometre away from the scene, the news release said. 

Crews resorted to using a remote water supply and hose streams. Members of the Calgary Police Service, CP Rail and Alberta Environment all came to the scene to assist with resources. 

People living in the Quarry Park area and across southeast Calgary have reported the presence of heavy smoke Saturday.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for the city of Calgary, particularly in the southeast due to smoke from the fire causing "elevated levels of air pollutants in the area."

"Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk."

Fire crews are expected to continue to work at the scene for the rest of today, Frederick said.