Crews working to put out industrial fire in southeast Edmonton
Posted July 31, 2024 2:53 pm.
Last Updated July 31, 2024 7:08 pm.
Firefighters were on the scene of an industrial fire in southeast Edmonton on Wednesday afternoon, as thick plumes of smoke filled the air.
The Edmonton Fire Rescue Services was working to put out the blaze at a recycling plant around 68 Avenue between 43A and 50 streets.
“Crews started showing up, recognized early on it was going to be something big. They’ve been battling it pretty hard,” said Reginald Kozoway, the district chief with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
“Challenges they were facing, right from the start they had multiple fires in multiple areas. One of the most dangerous, they had a bunch of propane tanks against a bunch of tires on fire. Had to act quickly and had to get those extinguished first.”
Firefighters say winds worked in their favour, blowing the smoke high up into the air. Saying it is likely toxic based on the items burned
Motorists travelling nearby were asked to avoid the area, and crews are expected to be fighting the fire overnight.