Cenovus evacuates Pelican Lake oil facility with wildfire 1km away
by The Canadian Press
Cenovus says safety is its top priority and the shutdown is precautionary, yet some workers evacuated by helicopter
Steam generators at Cenovus’ forest Creek facility, which is southeast of the fire threatening its Pelican Lake plant. PHOTO: Cenovus Energy Inc
The company says the fire was discovered about one kilometre away from its complex about 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.
Cenovus says safety is its top priority and the evacuation and shutdown are a precaution.
There was no damage to facilities or infrastructure.
Alberta Wildfire officials say the blaze is about 55 hectares in size and is being fought by four air tanker groups and a ground crew.
The wildfire threat in Alberta’s forest protection zone ranges from high to very high.
“We had 118 staff working at Pelican Lake when the evacuation began. The majority of them have been safely transported by bus or personal vehicle to our temporary evacuation centre in Wabasca,” the company said Tuesday in a release.
“Remaining staff are being evacuated in an orderly fashion. This includes some staff who were working in the northern part of our Pelican Lake operations who are being evacuated by helicopter.”
