Containment and Reclamation Near Edmonton
In May 2025, a brush fire near 111 Avenue and Anthony Henday Drive in west Edmonton spread into the peatlands. The blaze forced road closures, business evacuations, and left a smoke haze over the west end of the city.
Unlike typical surface fires, peat fires smoulder underground. Once ignited, they can burn for weeks or even months, making them difficult to detect and even harder to extinguish. Suppression requires uncovering the burning material and flooding it, a process that takes heavy equipment, manpower, and coordination.
Hi-Tower’s Response
Hi-Tower was called to assist as the fire burned close to the city and critical infrastructure. The first machine arrived within an hour, and the full fleet was on-site within four hours. • 2 new D6 dozers Crews worked alongside the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Fire Rescue, Alberta Infrastructure, and AltaGas to contain flare-ups, move soil, and assist in reopening traffic routes. |
Experience on the Ground
Hi-Tower had already worked in the north section of the site, reclaiming land from a 2023 fire. That experience meant the team understood the conditions and challenges of the terrain. When the south section ignited in May 2025, crews were able to move quickly from emergency suppression to long-term reclamation, continuing work in the north while expanding into the newly damaged areas.
From Emergency to Reclamation
What began as an urgent response to help a client in need grew into one of Hi-Tower’s most intensive reclamation projects. Equipment was pulled off paying jobs, and operators adjusted schedules to keep machines running around the clock. The work demanded flexibility and sacrifice, with crews from other sites contributing manpower and resources to keep the effort going.
Poundmaker Peat Fire Project Outcomes
• Poundmaker Peat Fire contained and suppressed after more than a month of operations
• Roads reopened and nearby businesses able to return to normal
• Reclamation extended across both north and south sections
• Reinforced client trust through reliable, timely support in a crisis
Partner With Hi-Tower
From emergency response to long-term reclamation, Hi-Tower delivers the people, equipment, and experience to get the job done. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next project.
Photos by Soaring Pig Studios