Garbage-pit fire shuts down Durham York incinerator

A fire in the garbage pit of the Durham York Energy Centre caused a partial, temporary shut down of the east-end incinerator.

The Region of Durham sent out a news release after Clarington fire officials were called to help put out the fire last Tuesday.

Craig Bartlett, manager of waste operations for Durham, said smoke was detected in the fire pit at about 1:30 p.m. He said water cannons within the pit were used, but the continued presence of flames led operators to call 911.

“Where the waste is deposited, it’s a full concrete reinforced bunker. It’s designed to handle this kind of situation,” said Bartlett, who said staff were evacuated from the building.

“There was no damage and the fire was completely extinguished by 6 p.m.”

Bartlett said officials “will likely never know what caused the fire,” but that they are not unusual in the waste industry. He said ash from fireplaces, charcoal from a barbecue or even a cigarette butt that hasn’t been fully extinguished can be the source.

He said the centre’s boilers were shut down as part of normal operating procedures.

“If 911 is called, they basically protect the assets by shutting everything down, so there is no harm to any of the equipment,” he said, adding that there’s no danger to the public.

The day after the fire, the incinerator was back to operating as usual.

The Durham York Energy Centre, located in Courtice, is a $289-million joint venture between Durham and York regions and is expected to process 140,000 tonnes of household waste each year. The controversial plant has been in commercial operation since January.