Wildfire near Foster Creek over 7000 hectares, Cenovus ‘demobilizes’ non-essential staff

Image from the Alberta Wildfire website.

An out of control wildfire continues to burn in the Lac La Biche Forest Protection Area, northwest of the Cenovus Foster Creek plant.

According to Alberta Wildfire, the fire which began on Monday morning is now some 7241 hectares big.

In a statement to Lakeland Connect, a spokesperson for Cenovus said that as a precaution, they are moving non-essential staff out from the facility.

“Our priority is the safety of our people and those fighting wildfires,” they said.

Cold Lake First Nation advised all members on Tuesday evening to stay out of the Foster Creek area and avoid travel on Ken Baker Road until further notice. 

The Forest Protection Area is initially the responsibility of provincial authorities to fight fires.

You can follow the status of active wildfires on the Government of Alberta’s website here.