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A fire at Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.'s Hussar Gas Plant east of Strathmore sent one worker to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition early Friday and forced the evacuation of some surrounding properties. The blaze broke out around 5:45 a.m., and crews later extinguished it.
That immediate response is why the emergency evacuation is drawing attention now: one person was taken by STARS air ambulance, another worker was treated on site and released without injury, and nearby properties were cleared as crews dealt with the plant. The gas plant sits about 40 kilometres east of Strathmore, making the incident a concern for people living and working in the area.
Emergency Health Services said the critically injured person was flown to Foothills hospital, while a second worker was assessed at the scene and did not need further treatment. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. said through Julie Woo that its key priorities are the safety and security of its employees, stakeholders and the environment, and that it will release a follow-up statement once facts have been determined and confirmed.
The fire was out, but the response did not end there. The Calgary Fire Department's hazardous materials unit attended the scene to provide specialized support and help prepare in case further evacuations were needed. Alex Kwan said the crew was specifically requested because of the nature of the facility, a detail that suggests the concern was not only the flames already visible but what could still be present at the plant after they were put out.
What remains unresolved is the cause of the fire and whether the evacuated properties were eventually allowed back in. For now, the picture is clear enough: one worker is fighting for life, some nearby properties were emptied out, and Canadian Natural is waiting on a fuller accounting before saying more.
