GFL Transfer Station in Dafter Catches Fire

On 03/27/2026, at 17:56 hours, the Dafter Township Fire Department was dispatched to a reported commercial structure fire at the GFL Transfer Station, located at 3239 W M-28 in Dafter Township.

Dafter Engine-1, Engine-2, Tanker, and Brush-1 responded with 14 Dafter Township Firefighters. Crews arrived on scene at 18:03 hours and observed heavy black smoke coming from the building.

At the time of the incident, the building was occupied by employees. All employees were able to safely evacuate prior to fire department arrival, and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters made contact with a employee who reported that a large volume of trash, a trash compactor, and a 40 foot semi-truck trailer loaded with refuse were actively burning inside the structure.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Soo Township Fire Department (tanker), Bay Mills Twp. Fire Rescue (ladder truck), and Superior Township Fire & Rescue (tanker). Bay Mills EMS (standby).

Crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and were able to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. Following initial suppression, crews ventilated the building to improve interior conditions. A semi-truck was then used to remove the involved trailer from the structure. The burning contents were dumped into the parking lot, where firefighters completed extinguishment.

The Bay Mills ladder truck was utilized to check the roof for any signs of fire extension. Crews remained on scene conducting extensive overhaul operations to ensure complete extinguishment.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. However, GFL indicated the facility has recently experienced issues related to improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries and they had a lithium-ion battery fire approximately 3 months ago that they extinguished.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety Reminder:

Lithium-ion batteries should never be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins. These batteries can ignite when damaged, crushed, or exposed to heat. Proper disposal includes:

* Taking batteries to a designated recycling center or hazardous waste facility

* Utilizing retailer take-back programs when available

All units cleared the scene at 19:22 hours.