Canadian Natural Resources Limited Provides an Update on Fort McMurray Region Forest Fires

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - May 16, 2011) - A number of forest fires continue to burn in the oil sands region near Fort McMurray with Canadian Natural Resources Limited ("Canadian Natural" or the "Company") (TSX:CNQ) (NYSE:CNQ) responding to a forest fire near its Horizon Oil Sands site. The forest fire remains approximately 150 metres from its Chelsea Lodge, one of three staff camps on site. A fire barrier has been put in place and to date has been successful in diverting the forest fire away from the lodge and the balance of the Horizon Oil Sands site. The forest fire has had no impact on any facilities on the Horizon Oil Sands site and steps have been taken to minimize the potential impact of the forest fires on the Horizon facilities and its operations.

Approximately 1,300 camp residents and personnel have been evacuated from both the Chelsea lodge and the Calumet Lodge and no injuries have been reported. Labour relations staff is making arrangements to get non-essential Canadian Natural personnel and contract staff off site.

Canadian Natural's number one priority is the safety and security of its workers. All in-bound flights and First Canada bussing from Fort McMurray to Horizon site have been cancelled for Monday, May 16, 2011. All non-essential, non-operational personnel will be notified when they can expect to return to work once the forest fire situation has passed.

Canadian Natural is a senior oil and natural gas production company, with continuing operations in its core areas located in Western Canada, the U.K. portion of the North Sea and Offshore West Africa.