Fire likely caused by lithium-based battery.
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Claystone experienced a small fire at the Beaver Regional Landfill. The fire ignited at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening and became visible at approximately 8:00 p.m. Landfill staff arrived on site at 8:20 p.m. and quickly extinguished the fire using mobile equipment by smothering it with soil. The Ryley Fire Department attended the scene and worked in collaboration with landfill staff to water and monitor for flare-ups. Claystone continued to spread material for water application by the Fire Department crew to extinguish any residual hotspots. By 10 p.m., the fire department deemed the site safe and left. An overnight fire watch was set up until the arrival of the morning crew.
“This situation could have been much worse if not for our dedicated crew who responded so quickly,” said Matt Rawluk, Chief Operating Officer. “Not only did they guide the fire department when they arrived, but they had already been actively fighting the fire by pushing the material and covering it with soil to prevent it from spreading. The fire was essentially extinguished by 8:45 p.m., and we’re thankful for the assistance of the Ryley Fire Department to ensure everything was fully extinguished.”
Although the cause of the fire is still being investigated, initial evidence indicates it was likely caused by an improperly disposed lithium battery. Lithium batteries are particularly hazardous in landfills because they can smolder for days or even weeks before igniting.
“Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in phones, laptops, and vape pens, are a significant cause of fires in landfills,” said Tam Connelly, Director of Facilities. “These items should never go in household garbage or recycling bins but should be disposed of properly. The fire at the landfill could have been much more devastating if not for the quick response of Claystone staff and the Ryley Fire Department.”
Claystone has an active emergency response plan for management of landfill fires, the effectiveness of which was demonstrated in the efficient management of the September 7 fire. The Beaver Regional Landfill is a Class II landfill, which only accepts household and construction debris. Claystone has notified Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) of the fire as required under provincial regulations.
Recycle Batteries Canada has launched a website to educate the public on property battery disposal, including finding sites for recycling safely in Alberta: https://recycleyourbatteries.ca/recycle-your-batteries-alberta/
