Suncor EVP releases employee update on Fort Mac wildfire

On Facebook late Tuesday night, Suncor Executive Vice President Upstream, Mark Little sent out this message to employees:

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since Fort McMurray was evacuated. What a crazy time it’s been. I am so thankful that all of you are safe! I know many of you are in difficult circumstances given your temporary accommodations and in some cases, dealing with a loss of your personal property. Hang in there, we will get through this. If you need help, there are a number of resources for you. Remember, Safety Above All Else and please ensure you are looking after yourself and your family!

This has also been a tough time for Suncor. I can’t thank you enough for your patience as we work through this. I know many have been working very hard and putting in long hours to help us move forward safely.

Yesterday was a challenging day. We were confident that the fire was under control on the west side of the river before we started putting people back into our operations. Unfortunately, due to rapidly changing events (the fire travelled approximately 30 km in one day), we had to step back and shut in our base plant facility last night and move our people to keep them safe. As of this evening, the fire is southwest of our facility and we have protection strategies in place to safeguard our assets.

Relocation plans have had to happen quickly as conditions have changed, and it has sometimes been a bumpy ride. Sorry for this inconvenience and thanks for your patience. Please know we are doing everything we can to iron out the logistics involved in this complex relocation plan.
I have attached some details that outline our steps to move people from the region. I hope this helps.
I look forward to safely returning to Fort McMurray with you.

Mark Little

Logistics Update

Our priority right now is to relocate personnel from the region safely, as soon as we can. This includes transporting personnel from MacKay River, East Tank Farm and Base Plant out of the region. Critical emergency response personnel and security teams currently remain with these assets. Fort Hills remains safe and workers continue with construction. For Firebag, we will continue to keep the facility in hot standby with minimal staffing and we have defined a strategy, including trigger points, to evacuate people as necessary.

We encourage everyone to check Suncor’s Facebook and Twitter pages and our website at www.suncor.com/fort-mcmurray-fires for the latest information.

Here are some details on how we plan to relocate people in the coming days.

Ground Transportation

Driving personal vehicles out of the region is currently not recommended. Convoys to bus personnel out of the region are being controlled by the RCMP.

Air Transportation

Lodge occupants should be ready to go with their baggage packed.
From the lodge you will board buses and travel directly to the aerodrome tarmac. There will be no opportunity to stop at the terminal.
Personnel can choose between the Edmonton International Airport or the Calgary Executive Flight Centre as their destination
We anticipate flights will be leaving approximately every half hour, and we will be providing further schedule details as they become available.
Upon arrival at either Calgary or Edmonton, personnel should make arrangements to return to their current accommodations and await instructions from their leader.

Lodges will be moved out in the following order:

– Wapisu East
– Wapisu West
– Grey Wolf
– Barge Landing
– McClelland Lake Lodge
– Mt. Robson
– Mt. Logan
– Firebag Village

Employee Assistance

For any employee or work-related questions, contact our Suncor Family Support Centre at 1-877-285-4600 or FRC@suncor.com. We are working to resolve questions as quickly as possible. If you need support services please contact the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at 1-800-387-4765.