Cenovus Energy announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily scaled back non-essential personnel at its Foster Creek oil sands facility in northeastern Alberta due to nearby wildfires. The move is precautionary and follows close coordination with provincial emergency authorities.
The Canadian energy company stated that while its operations at Foster Creek remain unaffected at this time, it has taken steps to ensure the safety of its workforce by relocating non-critical staff. Essential workers will stay on site to maintain key operations and monitor condition
A Cenovus spokesperson noted that production levels are currently unchanged, but the situation is being closely monitored and may change if the fire risk intensifies. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and readiness to adapt as necessary to protect personnel and assets.
Wildfires have been increasingly common in Alberta’s boreal forest region, often affecting oil sands infrastructure. Foster Creek, one of Cenovus’ flagship thermal oil projects, is located about 300 kilometers northeast of Edmonton and is operated as a joint venture with ConocoPhillips.
The Alberta Wildfire Service reported that several blazes are active near the Foster Creek area, though none are considered out of control as of the latest update. Weather forecasts are predicting high winds and dry conditions, which could exacerbate the fire threat.
Cenovus is working with emergency response agencies and local officials to assess the situation and determine any further action. The company’s emergency preparedness includes evacuation protocols, fire suppression equipment, and continuous air monitoring.
The broader oil and gas sector in Canada has been on alert during wildfire season, with multiple operators adjusting operations to minimize risk. Last year, several facilities experienced temporary shutdowns due to fire-related evacuations.
Analysts noted that although the industry is better prepared for such events compared to the past, extreme weather driven by climate change continues to pose a growing risk to energy infrastructure.
The company did not specify how many employees were relocated or how long the precautionary measures will remain in place. Updates will be provided based on evolving fire activity and safety assessments.
Cenovus is one of Canada’s largest integrated energy companies and has significant oil sands, refining, and natural gas operations. The Foster Creek facility uses steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) to extract bitumen from underground reservoirs.
As Alberta heads deeper into wildfire season, energy firms, communities, and emergency responders remain on high alert. Government officials are urging companies and residents in fire-prone zones to maintain vigilance and follow safety advisories.
The situation at Foster Creek is the latest in a series of wildfire-related disruptions that have affected Canada’s energy industry in recent years, highlighting the challenges of operating in remote, forested areas during periods of elevated fire risk.
Source; Reuters
