(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

July 10, 2023

No injuries in Red Deer recycling facility fire

Jul 11, 2023 | 2:07 PM

Investigators are looking into the cause of a fire at a Red Deer recycling facility Monday.

According to Curtis Schaefer, Assistant Deputy Chief, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES), crews were called to the scene on 62 Street at 47A Avenue in the Riverside Light Industrial Park at approximately 11:05 a.m..

“The first truck noticed some smoke coming out of the recycling, packing, processing area,” said Schaefer. “Then proceeded to go in and check and had to redeploy around to the different side of the building, just due to its size, to get better access to the fire.”

Schaefer admits it was a little challenging to access the flames.

“They (firefighters) had to go up a relatively steep staircase to get access to the top of the conveyer belt and sorting system, and just limited room up on the walkway to move with a firehose,” he explained.

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“Crews took approximately 20 minutes to get the fire under control and initial knockdown,” said Schaefer. “No injuries. All the staff on scene were able to self-evacuate and be accounted for. Approximately 15 people evacuated that particular part of the facility.”

Schaefer says the facility did suffer some damage during the incident, including the building’s conveyer belt system itself.

“A little bit of smoke damage to the area around it and some minor damage to the ceiling area around the conveyer belt system. So overall, some minor smoke and fire damage,” added Schaefer.

Schaefer doesn’t believe the fire to be suspicious at this time.

“Something started on fire in the sorting area. The fire spread on the conveyer belt. I believe this was an isolated incident related to the recycling process and just sometimes the risks with that.”

Schaefer says the fire was contained to the facility but notes the road was shut down for a bit while crews battled the flames.

“No hazards to the public as a result of this fire,” concluded Schaefer.