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Westar Landfill Fire

Evacuation and Buffer Zone Map

News Release

Update December 5  10:30 am
Testing indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk.  Stationary monitors outside of the mandatory evacuation zone are yielding low levels of particulate matter. Fire fighting is continuing in this cold weather, with Hellfire working hard to keep staff and equipment warm.
 

Update December 4  4:30 pm
Testing indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk.  Overall, stationary monitors and mobile testing outside of the mandatory evacuation zone are yielding low levels of particulate matter. MAML testing, approximately 2.5-3 km SE of the fire, did have a moderately high level today.  Subsequent follow-up testing revealed levels within acceptable limits.

Update December 3  9:10 pm
Testing indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk. Stationary monitors and mobile testing are yielding low levels of particulate matter

Update December 2  11:30 am
State of Local Emergency is still in effect. Residents continue to be evacuated, with Red Cross taking care of basic food and shelter needs.
Now in Day 8 of fire fighting and Hellfire says everything is going well with no surprises. Fire intensity is about half what it was originally, but glowing red, super heated ash sites are being discovered.
Testing this morning indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk.  Stationary monitors outside of the mandatory evacuation zone are yielding low levels of particulate matter. AB Health Services further notes that slightly higher 1 hour readings over the weekend NW of the landfill were risk assessed and deemed that this location did not exceed the air quality objective for the 24-hour average. As such, the health risk is low.

Update December 1  10:15 pm
Testing including in Veinerville, indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk. Stationary monitors and mobile testing outside of the mandatory evacuation zone are yielding low levels of particulate matter. MAML testing approximately 4.5 km NE of the fire, near to a residence, did have acceptable levels of particulate matter.

Update December 1  4:30 pm
Testing indicates that the ambient air poses a low health risk. Overall, stationary monitors and mobile testing outside of the mandatory evacuation zone are yielding low levels of particulate matter.  MAML testing, approximately 3 km NE of the fire, did have a moderately high level today. This area is sparsely populated. Monitoring will be performed further NE to assess levels there.

The information centre contact number is 403.525.2333 and it is being answered 24 hours a day