Canadian Natural Resources keeping an eye on forest fires in Northern Alberta

CALGARY – An executive with oil company Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. says the company is keeping an eye on wildfires in Northern Alberta.

Vice-chairman John Langille says the blazes aren’t causing any trouble yet for the company’s operations.

But there are some fires that are reasonably close to its facilities, and one in the Cold Lake area is of concern.

Around this time last year, flames came close to Canadian Natural’s (TSX:CNQ) Horizon oilsands mine site north of Fort McMurray.

Langille says the smoke affected air quality around the site, making it impossible to work.

Last year the fires caused power outages, which in turn led to important pipelines in the region being shut down.