Suncor Energy Inc. is taking immediate action to protect its Firebag oilsands site from a rapidly spreading wildfire. The company announced that it is moving to have only essential personnel at the site as a precautionary measure. The decision comes as a wildfire burns out of control approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Fort McMurray, Alberta.
The Alberta government reports that the wildfire is currently located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Suncor’s Firebag main plant, 14 kilometers northeast of Suncor’s Firebag Aerodrome, and 16 kilometers east of Imperial Oil’s Kearl oilsands facility. Suncor’s Firebag oilsands site is a significant operation, producing about 215,000 barrels of oil per day. Typically, around 400 people work at the site daily.
For the latest updates on evacuation alerts and orders due to wildfires in Alberta, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website. For information on the current wildfire status and danger levels across the province, visit the Alberta Wildfire website. The latest information on fire advisories, restrictions, and bans in Alberta can be found on the Alberta fire bans website.
The wildfire near Fort McMurray has raised concerns about the potential impact on critical infrastructure and the environment. While Suncor is taking proactive steps to protect its employees and facilities, the wildfire situation remains fluid and unpredictable.
