Firefighters are working to douse a large fire in an industrial area in Strathcona County, just east of Edmonton.
According to a social media post by Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank, the fire is “of used appliances burning” at a recycling company, located just off 34th Street. The mayor said there is no risk to the public because the fire is contained.
Emergency services responded to an industrial fire around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, on the west end of Sherwood Park, the county told CBC News in a statement.
No injuries have been reported and there is no risk to the public at this time, but people are asked to the avoid the area “due to the inherent toxic nature of the smoke,” the statement said.
A large fire in an industrial area of Strathcona County was visible throughout the Edmonton region on Saturday. (Submitted by Kelly Williams)
Alberta Environment has been notified, it added.
Fire crews are expected to be on scene for most of the day, according to a post from Strathcona County firefighters shared on the county’s Facebook page.
A large fire in Strathcona County caused road closures in the area Saturday afternoon. (Adrienne Lamb/CBC)
“Large volumes of heavy black smoke can be seen throughout the capital region as crews continue to battle this fire,” the post says.
The Edmonton Police Service said in a news release that 34th Street is closed between Sherwood Park Freeway and Baseline Road, as police help with traffic control for the fire.