Fire shuts down gas plant

Photo: Contributed

Cenovus Energy Inc. has shut down production at its Foster Creek oilsands and Athabasca natural gas operations due to a nearby forest fire.

The fire is about 25 kilometres south of Foster Creek.

The company pulled 1,800 people from the site due to the fire's proximity to the only access road to the facilities.

Cenovus says once the fire is under control and it is deemed safe to return, operations will resume as soon as possible.

Foster Creek, which is jointly owned with ConocoPhillips, has average daily production of approximately 135,000 barrels.

The Athabasca natural gas operation produces about 20 million cubic feet per day, most of which is used as fuel for Foster Creek.