Calgary is on high alert after a special weather advisory warned residents about deteriorating air quality and decreased visibility owing to the escalating threat of wildfires. The dry weather conditions and shifting winds in Alberta have created a hazardous environment which led to many active fires and triggered the evacuation of around 20,000 individuals from their homes.
The government of Alberta reports that the province is currently battling 90 wildfires, with 23 of them labelled uncontrollable. The complexity of the situation forced oil and gas producers to stop operations. This resulted in the shut-in of around 319,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, equivalent to 3.7% of national production.
In a bid to ensure the safety of personnel and mitigate risks, Calgary-based Crescent Point Energy took precautions by suspending its Kaybob Duvernay production, impacting 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent every day. Also, concerns over the wildfires have contributed to a surge in benchmark Canadian heavy crude prices which reached their highest levels in months.
Environment Canada’s weather forecast predicts the arrival of a cold front and gusty northwest winds. However, little rain which can exacerbate the fire situation is expected. Christie Tucker, spokesperson for the Alberta Wildfire Agency explained that the change in wind direction is a great challenge for firefighters, as the fires may quickly change their path.
Residents that are affected by the wildfires encounter face emotional hardships and property losses. Meanwhile, many have shown resilience and determination to rebuild their lives. Judy Levesque, who lost her house in Drayton Valley, Alberta, talked about her optimistic outlook and said: “We will build better. We planned to renovate, so now we get to do it quicker. That’s the attitude we have to have because it’s too sad the other way.”
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