Disco Waste Facility Update: Fire Response, Facility Details, Cost Estimates - October 2025

The Incident

On October 22, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a significant fire broke out at the waste transfer station located at 120 Disco Road. This transfer station shares the address with Toronto's renowned organics processing facility but operates as a separate part of the site's waste management operations.

Emergency Response

The response was massive and immediate. Toronto Fire Services deployed over 100 firefighters and up to 20 fire trucks at the incident's peak, escalating from an initial three-alarm fire to a five-alarm response based on resource deployment. By Thursday morning, approximately 40 firefighters remained on scene managing what Acting Deputy Fire Chief Steve Darling described as a "deep-seated" fire burning within piles of construction debris.

The challenge firefighters faced was access. The fire burned deep within large waste piles containing plastics and construction materials inside the 50,000-square-foot transfer facility. Heavy equipment was required to pull apart the debris piles to reach the fire's source. Smoke management became the primary concern as crews worked to clear the air and gain access to the flames.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The facility was closed at the time of the fire, with no staff present when the blaze began.

Environmental Precautions

Given the proximity to Mimico Creek—which suffered significant contamination from a 2023 chemical facility fire—environmental protection became an immediate priority. Toronto Water deployed hay bales and dikes to prevent any contaminated runoff from reaching the creek. The Ministry of Environment was notified and remained involved in monitoring efforts.

As of Thursday morning, officials confirmed there was no risk to Mimico Creek, with all mitigation measures holding effectively.

Air Quality and Community Impact

Heavy smoke from the fire prompted temporary closures of some facilities south of the fire site due to air quality concerns. Officials notified nearby businesses and Pearson International Airport about potential smoke impacts on their operations.

Investigation

Fire officials indicated that while the investigation into the cause was in its early stages, nothing appeared suspicious. Deputy Chief Darling explained that the fire likely started when debris was dumped through large overhead doors, catching fire somewhere beneath the pile as materials were being sorted.

Toronto Fire crews remained on scene for up to two days following the initial response, ensuring complete extinguishment and monitoring for any rekindling.

Site Clarification: Two Separate Operations

It's important to understand that 120 Disco Road houses multiple waste management operations:

The Waste Transfer Station (where the fire occurred):

• Receives mixed waste and construction debris

• Sorts and transfers materials to various processing facilities

• Part of Toronto's network of seven transfer stations

• Handles up to 2,000 tonnes per day of various waste types

  
  

The Organics Processing Facility (not affected by the fire):

• Processes 75,000 tonnes annually of source-separated organics

• Uses anaerobic digestion to create renewable natural gas

• Produces high-quality compost

• Continues normal operations

  
  

The organics processing facility, which I detailed in my original post, remained unaffected by the fire and continued its critical role in Toronto's green bin program.

Lessons and Ongoing Concerns

This incident highlights several important considerations for waste facility management:

1. Fire Risk in Transfer Stations: Construction debris and mixed waste piles present significant fire hazards, particularly when containing plastics and other combustible materials.

2. Response Complexity: Deep-seated fires in waste piles require specialized equipment and extended firefighting operations, potentially lasting days.

3. Environmental Vigilance: The proximity to waterways demands robust environmental protection measures and immediate notification protocols.

4. Operational Separation: The incident demonstrates the value of operational separation—the organics processing facility's continued operation shows that facility design can limit the spread of incidents.

   
   

The Broader Context

Toronto's waste management infrastructure is critical to the city's sustainability goals and daily operations. The Disco Road site exemplifies the complexity of modern waste management, with multiple facilities and operations working to divert materials from landfills, generate renewable energy, and protect the environment.

While this fire disrupted transfer operations temporarily, it also showcased Toronto Fire Services' capabilities and the effectiveness of environmental protection protocols. The rapid response, environmental precautions, and zero injuries represent successful emergency management, even as questions about prevention and facility safety protocols continue.

As Toronto continues to expand its waste diversion programs and pursue ambitious climate goals, incidents like this remind us of the operational challenges inherent in handling the city's waste streams—and the importance of robust safety measures, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection.

Status: As of late October 2025, the fire was fully contained, environmental risks were mitigated, and operations at the site's other facilities continued. The official investigation into the fire's cause remains ongoing.

Fig. 1. Disco Treatment Facility, Toronto, Ontario, with highway 409 in the background. (October, 2024)

Fig. 2. Looking south from the air, with highway 427 on the right, Disco Treatment Facility circled in black (October, 2024)

Estimated Cost Analysis: Disco Road Fire (October 22-24, 2025)

Disclaimer

The following cost estimates are based on industry standards, comparable incidents, publicly available salary data, and typical emergency response costs. These figures represent educated estimates, as the City of Toronto and involved parties have not released official cost figures for this incident.

Total Estimated Cost Range: $350,000 - $750,000

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Cost Breakdown by Entity

1. Toronto Fire Services: $250,000 - $450,000

Personnel Costs (Primary Component)

• 100+ firefighters deployed at peak (overnight operations)

• 40 firefighters for extended operations (Thursday)

• 10-15 firefighters for monitoring (up to 48 hours)

• Average firefighter hourly cost: ~$50-60/hour (includes salary, benefits, overtime premiums for night/weekend work)

• Estimated personnel hours: 2,500-3,500 hours total

  • Peak response (8 hours × 100 firefighters): 800 hours

  • Extended response (16 hours × 40 firefighters): 640 hours

  • Monitoring operations (32 hours × 15 firefighters): 480 hours

  • Command staff and supervisory personnel: 300-500 hours

    
    

Equipment and Apparatus

• 15-20 fire trucks deployed at various points

• Truck operating cost: ~$500-800/hour (fuel, wear, maintenance amortization)

• Estimated equipment hours: 400-600 hours

• Equipment costs: $200,000-$300,000

  
  

Consumables

• Water (thousands of gallons pumped over 48+ hours)

• Foam/suppression agents if used

• Personal protective equipment replacement/cleaning

• Estimated: $15,000-$25,000

Subtotal TFS: ~$250,000-$450,000

2. Toronto Police Services: $15,000 - $25,000

Traffic Control and Scene Security

• Multiple officers for road closures (5-6 major intersections affected)

• Estimated 8-12 officers over 12-16 hours

• Officer hourly cost: ~$60-75/hour (loaded)

• Personnel: 100-150 hours × $65/hour = $6,500-$10,000

Command and Coordination

• Senior officers, incident command participation

• Estimated: $3,000-$5,000

Vehicle Operations

• Multiple cruisers, fuel, equipment

• Estimated: $5,000-$10,000

  
  

Subtotal TPS: ~$15,000-$25,000

3. Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: $10,000 - $25,000

Emergency Response Team Deployment

• 2-4 environmental specialists on-site

• Estimated 40-60 hours of on-site presence

• Specialist cost: ~$100-150/hour (loaded)

• Personnel: $6,000-$12,000

Environmental Monitoring

• Water quality testing (Mimico Creek)

• Air quality assessment

• Soil sampling if required

• Lab analysis and reporting

• Testing and Analysis: $3,000-$8,000

Follow-up Compliance Monitoring

• Post-incident inspections

• Report preparation

• Administrative: $1,000-$5,000

Subtotal MECP: ~$10,000-$25,000

4. Toronto Water: $20,000 - $40,000

Environmental Protection Infrastructure

• Hay bales, dikes, and erosion control deployment

• Materials: $5,000-$8,000

• Labor for installation: 40-60 hours

• Installation: $8,000-$12,000

Water Quality Monitoring

• Mimico Creek sampling and testing

• Stormwater system inspection

• Testing: $3,000-$6,000

Cleanup and Removal

• Post-incident removal of protective barriers

• Water system flushing if contaminated

• Cleanup: $4,000-$14,000

Subtotal Toronto Water: ~$20,000-$40,000

5. Toronto Emergency Management: $5,000 - $15,000

Incident Command Support

• Emergency Operations Centre activation (if applicable)

• Coordination staff deployment

• Communication and liaison functions

• Estimated: $5,000-$15,000

6. Facility Owner/Operator Costs: $50,000 - $195,000+

Business Interruption

• Transfer station closure: 3-7 days estimated

• Lost revenue from processing fees

• Estimated daily capacity: 500-1,000 tonnes

• Gate fee revenue loss: ~$25,000-$50,000/day

• Revenue Loss: $75,000-$350,000 (not included in public cost total)

Facility Damage and Cleanup

• Building structural assessment

• Damaged waste removal and disposal

• Fire-damaged building materials: $15,000-$40,000

• Contaminated waste disposal: $20,000-$75,000

• Heavy equipment rental (excavators, etc.): $10,000-$30,000

• Physical Cleanup: $45,000-$145,000

Investigation and Remediation

• Fire cause investigation support

• Environmental remediation if required

• Engineering assessment

• Professional Services: $5,000-$50,000

Subtotal Private Costs (Owner): ~$50,000-$195,000 (Plus business interruption: $75,000-$350,000)

Summary Table: Public Costs

Entity	Low Estimate	High Estimate	Primary Cost Drivers
Toronto Fire Services	$250,000	$450,000	Personnel (100+ firefighters), equipment (15-20 trucks)
Toronto Police Services	$15,000	$25,000	Traffic control, scene security
Ministry of Environment	$10,000	$25,000	Environmental monitoring, water testing
Toronto Water	$20,000	$40,000	Erosion control, creek protection
Toronto Emergency Mgmt	$5,000	$15,000	Coordination, incident command
PUBLIC TOTAL	$300,000	$555,000
Private (Facility Owner)	$50,000	$195,000	Cleanup, damaged materials, investigation
COMBINED TOTAL	$350,000	$750,000

Note: Business interruption losses ($75,000-$350,000) not included in totals

Context and Comparisons

Similar Incidents:

• Yellowknife landfill subsurface fire cost approximately $80,000 over three weeks Global News, though with far fewer resources deployed

• Industry reports indicate waste facility fires can range from $30,000 for minor incidents to $248,000+ for major fires CP24

• The Disco Road fire's scale (five-alarm response, 100+ firefighters, 48+ hours) places it in the upper tier of waste facility fire costs

Cost Factors Making This Incident Expensive:

1. Scale of Response: 100+ firefighters represents extraordinary resource deployment

2. Duration: 48+ hours of active firefighting vs typical 6-12 hours

3. Equipment Intensity: 15-20 trucks operating continuously

4. Urban Location: Higher personnel costs, traffic management complexity

5. Environmental Sensitivity: Mimico Creek protection required significant resources

6. Deep-Seated Fire: Required heavy equipment and extended excavation operations

Who Ultimately Pays?

Taxpayers (Public Costs):

• Toronto Fire Services: Municipal budget

• Police Services: Municipal budget

• Toronto Water: Municipal utility budget (may pass to ratepayers)

• Emergency Management: Municipal budget

Facility Owner/Insurance:

• Private cleanup costs

• Business interruption

• Facility repairs

• Investigation costs

Potential Cost Recovery:

• City may seek to recover emergency response costs from facility owner if negligence is found

• Owner's insurance would typically cover most private costs

• Ministry of Environment could levy fines if violations discovered