EDMONTON — Thick smoke billowed into the air as fire crews battled a three-alarm blaze in an industrial area in east Edmonton.
An employee at Building Products of Canada called emergency crews after the fire broke out around noon on Sunday. Fire crews not only had to battle hot and dry conditions, but since the plant makes shingles out of recycled materials there was also a lot of fuel for the blaze.
Fire department spokeswoman Melanie Mochoruk says the blaze also sparked a few small grass fires.
Hundreds of firefighters and 34 units were on scene to battle the blaze. EMS teams were called in to monitor the health of firefighters and provide whatever treatment necessary.
“The key to days like this is to keep them hydrated, to keep the crews rotating in, get fresh crews in when we can,” said Mochoruk.
Fire officials say there is no danger to residents in the area since the fire is away from the main road and has been contained.
Hazardous material units were called in to monitor the scene, but according to environmental officials there is no danger to public health.
No injuries have been reported.