(Calgary) Suncor Energy says it has temporarily reduced some production after removing all non-essential workers from its Firebag oilsands site in response to an out-of-control wildfire in northern Alberta.
The company, Canada’s second-largest oil sands producer by volume, says its Firebag facility will be maintained in a condition that allows it to resume full operations as soon as possible once it is safe to do so.
Spokeswoman Tara Weber said Friday that Suncor is “leveraging [sa] integrated asset base in the region to minimize business disruptions.”
She said there is no risk to Suncor’s other operations or the Firebag airport, but the company is prepared to take further action if necessary.
The company said Thursday that a wildfire spanning more than 21 square kilometres was burning out of control about 70 kilometres northeast of Fort McMurray, Alta.
The Alberta government said the fire occurred about eight kilometres northeast of Suncor’s main Firebag plant, 14 kilometres northeast of Suncor’s Firebag airfield and 16 kilometres east of Imperial’s Kearl oilsands facility.