Comox Valley landfill fire contained by multiple fire departments

Fire crews from Cumberland, Courtenay, and Oyster River responded to a fire at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre landfill on Sunday, Sept. 13. The incident, which began around 6:16 p.m., was initially reported as a potential structure fire after residents observed a column of black smoke.

Upon arrival, responders found two piles of shredded mattresses and a shredding machine on fire. Crews successfully contained the blaze to the mattress recycling section, extinguishing the mattresses and the machine. A nearby excavator was saved after a waste management employee moved it from the site.

Cumberland Deputy Fire Chief Stephane Dionne noted that the smoke was toxic due to the polymers and plastics in the foam, and much of the smoke was produced by the diesel and oil in the shredding machine. Fire crews utilized protective equipment to prevent exposure. No injuries were reported, and wind conditions prevented the smoke from affecting the Village of Cumberland or local water sources.