A landfill fire in Prince Rupert has forced the city to close the municipal dump for the entire long weekend. The fire was discovered early Friday morning and quickly led to a complete shutdown of the site.
Officials say the fire is extremely serious. The city is now working with experts and emergency crews to manage the situation. The landfill will remain closed until at least Tuesday morning. It will only reopen if safety teams confirm it is safe.
City workers responded quickly after detecting the fire. Emergency crews are on site to control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading. Special equipment is being used, including fire suppression tools and heavy machinery.
Landfill fires can be dangerous and hard to manage. They often start underground and may spread fast because of trapped gases and buried waste. That’s why the city acted fast to close the site and begin fire control measures. The fire is located in a controlled area of the landfill, and efforts to contain it are ongoing.
According to the city’s official statement, landfill fires require special care and strict safety rules. Closures like this are automatic when such incidents are reported. The city is working with environmental and safety consultants to follow the best plan for managing the fire.
Right now, there are no reports of injuries. Nearby homes and businesses are not at risk. Officials also say there have been no air quality warnings in the area. They are monitoring the air and will inform the public if anything changes. Although smoke may be visible, current levels do not pose a risk to residents.
The city has contacted environmental authorities and will follow any advice or actions they recommend. The fire was reported to the proper agencies as soon as it was discovered. Crews have been on site since then and are expected to continue their work through the weekend.
Until the landfill reopens, residents are being asked to store their garbage at home. City officials suggest keeping waste in sealed bins to avoid smells and pests. People are also being urged to stay away from the landfill while the fire is being handled.
This closure affects public garbage drop-off services and may also impact other city services that rely on the landfill. Officials understand the inconvenience and have thanked residents for their patience. Safety remains the top priority.
The city hopes to reopen the landfill by Tuesday morning. This depends entirely on whether the site is declared safe by experts. The final decision will be based on safety inspections and fire control progress. Crews will not reopen the site until they are sure there is no ongoing danger.
The public will be updated through the city’s website and social media channels. Residents are encouraged to check these platforms for the latest news. City staff will continue working closely with consultants and emergency services to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible.
The landfill fire is a reminder of the dangers that can occur even in managed waste areas. With fast action and expert support, the city aims to stop the fire completely and return to normal operations soon.
