A significant fire broke out at a metal recycling yard in southeast Calgary on Thursday evening, prompting a major response from the Calgary Fire Department (CFD). Firefighters were called to the scene in the 3400 block of Odgen Road Southeast around 8:45 p.m., where they encountered heavy black smoke and flames engulfing a large pile of crushed vehicles within the recycling yard’s compound.
The CFD immediately upgraded the fire to a second alarm, calling for additional resources due to the large volume of smoke and flames. Nineteen fire apparatus and 44 firefighters ultimately battled the blaze. Thankfully, no employees were present at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
The fire generated a significant smoke column, visible from numerous areas across the city, including the Stampede grounds. As a precaution, hazardous materials technicians monitored air quality at the scene of the fire and in surrounding neighborhoods.
After a three-hour effort, firefighters successfully extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
