Wildfire season returns to Canada's oil sands, keeping output on edge

Wildfire activity has returned to northern Alberta's oil sands, with seven active blazes near Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche posing risks to communities and facilities. So far in 2026 there have been no significant disruptions, but past fires have forced substantial output losses and created production uncertainty. Heavy rain is forecast to aid firefighting, and while an evacuation alert for Conklin was lifted, officials say the risk remains extreme in the region.