Cenovus operations in NW Alberta resume after wildfire concerns

Oilsands giant Cenovus says production at its operation in northwest Alberta has safely resumed after wildfires prompted a suspension last month.

The Calgary-based company says its Rainbow Lake operations are expected to be back to full capacity within the next seven to 10 days, should wildfire conditions not worsen.

In May, 85,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d) of production was affected by the wildfire situation.

“As staff have been able to access sites, to date no significant damage has been identified,” the company said in a release Monday. “The overall wildfire situation continues to be closely monitored and other assets, including the company’s oil sands operations and Lloydminster complex, have not been impacted.”

Cenovus says it has donated $200,000 to the Canadian Red Cross’ 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal, which it notes has “helped support immediate relief efforts in the province.”