Abstract: The invention discloses a method of producing viscous immobile oil from a subsurface formation. Initially, steam is injected into the formation for a period of time by way of an injection well and a production well. Thereafter, a combustion-supporting gas is injected through the injection well into the top of the formation to form a fluid conductive path between injection and production wells. Subsequently steam is injected into the formation, preferably near the bottom of the formation and flows through the fluid conductive path. Heated oil adjacent the top of the formation is produced by steam drag into the producing well or wells.