Burns Bog fire could cost millions

Taxpayers in Delta could be stuck with a whopping bill for fighting an uncontrolled garbage fire, because the company that owns the site has now filed for bankruptcy.

An 18-metre deep pile of garbage and demolition material, covering more than a hectare at the Burns Bog landfill, has been burning for more than two weeks.

The fire could threaten gas, hydro, water and sewer services across the Lower Mainland.

Delta Fire Chief, Randy Wolsey says putting it out will take a lot of heavy equipment going around the clock, for up to six months, "... the overall cost of extinguishment is in the neighborhood of 2.5 to 3 million dollars..."

Firefighters are worried the flames could spread to a neighbouring landfill.

If that happens, it would pose a major threat to major natural gas pipelines that feed the Lower Mainland, a rail line, water and sewer lines, and Hydro lines to Vancouver Island.