Yellowknife (Aug 04/03) - Twelve new forest fires were discovered burning by Friday in the North and South Slave regions.

Forest Fire Facts According to RWED's Web site (www.rwed.gov.nt.ca) there are 44 active fires out of a total of 139 so far this year. More than 95,725 hectares of forest area have been burned or are burning. Here is the activity to date: Inuvik region: danger rating low; no new fires; 20 fires to date. Sahtu region: danger rating low; no new fires; 36 fires to date. Deh Cho region: danger rating high, low in Wrigley; no new fires; 20 fires to date. North Slave region: danger rating extreme in Yellowknife & Rae-Edzo, high in Rae Lakes and Wha Ti, moderate in Wekweti; five new fires; 29 fires to date. South Slave region: danger rating extreme, high in Fort Providence; seven new fires; 33 fires to date. To report a forest fire call 1-800-361-0800.

In the North Slave region, a couple of crews are working on a fire located between Rae Lakes and Wha Ti.

Burning over 5,500 hectares, crews are "making sure it doesn't get any bigger," said Danny Beaulieu, regional duty officer.

Five of the 12 new fires were discovered in the North Slave area. The largest was burning 1,000 hectares about 85 km north of Rae Lakes.

All fires were caused by lightning and are being monitored to make sure all personal property is protected.

In the South Slave, seven new fires were discovered.

The largest fire is located 190 km southeast of Lutsel K'e and has burned 2,000 hectares.

The only one that is being worked on is one located 110 km southeast of Lutsel K'e.

While it has only burned four hectares, the fire is 14 km away from Nonacho Lake Lodge.

According to RWED's forest fire update Web site, no problems are anticipated.

It was expected that this weekend should remain cool and wet in the North Slave region.

Southern NWT expected record breaking temperatures, Friday, during the day. However, thundershowers were expected that night.

As of Friday five fires were burning in Wood Buffalo National Park.

The park's crews are allowing four of the fires to burn as part of the belief that the ecosystem will take care of itself. The four fires are all located southwest of Fort Smith and are being closely monitored.

However, the largest fire, burning 800 hectares, is located only 12 km south of Highway 5.

"We're doing the best to contain it," said Mike Keizer, communications manager.

Located 85 km west of Fort Smith, the fire shouldn't threaten those driving on the highway even though they'll be able to see smoke, Keizer said.

"Crews spent two nights of back burning," Keizer said Friday afternoon.

"The fires are not threatening any assets."

To keep the situation in control, however, a fire restriction has been placed on campfires.

Notices were put up Friday night, asking campers and travellers to only use the fire pits provided. All fires are to be kept small or medium sized.

Park employees also ask travellers to only cook meals using gas or propane.

Rain and winds were expected Friday night, but the park "might move to a fire ban if it's still dry," said Keizer.

Otherwise, if the weather becomes cooler and wetter, the fire restriction will be lifted in a few days.

"It's all contingent on the weather."