In response to the elevated risk from the ongoing regional wildfires, Athabasca Oil Corp. has decided to shut down the Hangingstone oil sands project and evacuate all personnel, according to a news release.

Over the past 24 hours, the Fort McMurray fire has advanced to the south and south east of the city. The fire front is estimated to be within 5 km of the Hangingstone site, the release said.

Athabasca Oil said the company safely evacuated all non-essential personnel from the site earlier on May 5 and is in the process of shutting down the well sites and the central facility. All remaining personnel were expected to be evacuated by that evening

Once the fire is under control and it is deemed safe to return to site, the company said it will assess the situation and provide an update.