News Release: Fire at the Dump

A fire that broke out at the west end of the Kindersley landfill late Monday night has been successfully contained within that section of the landfill. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway, and the Town is awaiting air quality tests to determine the risk of residual smoke in the air.

Kindersley Fire Department and Public Works crews responded to the scene around 8:45 pm, and quickly determined the best method of response would be to contain the fire. Other individuals and companies also provided assistance in the response, as crews focused efforts on cultivating large paths around the perimeter of the dump, pushing dirt to create firewalls and berms, and dousing portions of the fire with water and fire suppression foam.

Key information pertaining to the fire, as of Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 10:15 am:

• The fire has been contained to the western portion of the dump.
• All garbage collection in Kindersley has been suspended until further notice.
• The Kindersley Waste and Recycle Centre is closed for regular business.
• The Ministry of the Environment has been contacted to conduct air quality tests and to assess the area.
• Heavy winds made it difficult to contain the fire to the west, but aggressive efforts to create firewalls and berms, and to section off portions of the landfill were successful.
• The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
• The fire was deemed to be effectively contained by 2:30 am.
• Plans were in place for additional measures if the fire raged out of control.
• Crews continue to work to contain the fire, which is expected to burn for many more days.

·       The Town thanks the Fire Department, Town staff, and various members of the public who assisted with the fire response, including:

o   Eric Friesen of Moody’s Equipment

o   Ron Hunter

o   Kindersley RCMP

o   Prince Albert Emergency Dispatch

o   Holland’s Hot Oiling