As a safety precaution, Suncor Energy is restricting access to its oil sands facility today because of emissions and fumes that were released following an early morning fire.

At approximately 6 a.m. today, a fire started in one of Suncor’s two oil sands upgraders. No one was injured and the fire was quickly extinguished.

However, the fire resulted in emissions and fumes being released and in order to ensure site safety, the area near the fire was evacuated. As an additional precautionary measure, Suncor has told employees and contractors who do not work in operations, to not report to work today.

Suncor expects the site restriction to be temporary and hopes work schedules return to normal by this evening’s night shift. The restriction primarily applies to day time staff employees and contractors. Employees and contractors are asked to contact their supervisors for details pertaining to return to work schedules.

“Our first priority is always site safety, and right now we’re focused on ensuring the area is safe,” said Kirk Bailey, executive vice president.

The restricted access to the site created traffic congestion near Suncor’s facility and along Highway 63. Suncor apologizes for the inconvenience to employees and contractors as well as other community members that were impacted by the traffic congestion.

Production continues at the site, but at reduced rates. Regulators have been notified about the incident.