COLD LAKE - Fires set at the Cold Lake Landfill were likely started as warming fires as a way for people to keep warm this winter. Emergency crews continue to work to keep the most recent fire contained.
"The fires are likely started as warming fires and, up to this point, have been quickly contained by Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and public works staff," according to information from the City of Cold Lake, released on Feb. 7. "The fires represent a significant danger for those setting them, and a liability for the municipality."
Crews from Cold Lake Fire-Rescue responded to the most recent fire the morning of Feb. 5. It is the third fire at the landfill this winter season.
“These fires can be very dangerous and must be reported to Alberta Environment,” says City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. “There is room there for people to stay warm. Staying in outdoor camps poses a risk to the people seeking shelter, as well as to the community at large."
The City has been working with the Cold Lake John Howard Society to provide safe, warm places for people in need of shelter this winter.
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The warming fires can spread out of control and there have also been reports of "weapons caches" found at camp sites, says the mayor.
The City of Cold Lake has taken steps to prevent trespassing and to monitor the landfill, transfer station, and material recovery facility. But the nature of the facility poses challenges that make it difficult and costly for patrols to catch people on site.
“We will continue to do what we can to secure the facility and monitor the landfill over the course of each night,” Copeland says. “The bottom line is that the shelter is the safest place for anyone who needs a warm place to stay. Not only is it warm, but there is access to food and other supports that people can take advantage of.”
The City’s fire services have had to respond to and extinguish more than 34 other warming fires this winter season. This does not include unreported instances that are put out by other agencies, such as Municipal Enforcement and Cold Lake RCMP.
"This is a considerable and troubling rise in comparison to only two such fires in 2018," according to the City of Cold Lake.
Fires must be reported
Any fire occurring at a landfill has to be reported to Alberta Environment. Landfill fires can pose a significant public safety risk and environmental hazard, with the potential for severe air quality impacts, especially if they get out of control.
“We have been diligent in reporting all instances to Alberta Environment and we are thankful for the quick response and hard work on the part of our public works staff and Cold Lake Fire-Rescue,” says Copeland.
