Article content

Edmonton motorists and those with east-facing windows were baffled Friday morning by pinkish-purple smoke emanating near Refinery Row.

The smoke appeared just after 11:30 a.m. and triggered calls to Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS). City officials say the smoke was the result of a power failure at Enerkem Alberta Biofuels, an ethanol plant.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Mysterious pink smoke over east Edmonton triggers confusion, fire calls Back to video

The release posed no threat to the public or environment, city and company officials said.

The smoke could be seen rising Friday morning from the city-owned Edmonton Waste Management Centre (EWMC) on Aurum Road, where Enerkem is located.

Fire spokeswoman Suzzette Mellado said a single crew responded at 11:47 a.m., found no fire and contained the smoke. Emergency crews eventually deemed the area safe and allowed employees to return to work.

City of Edmonton spokeswoman Nicole Paradis said waste management centre officials “continue looking into the situation.” The city notified Alberta Environment and Parks of the emission.