Emma Levez
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 17/98) - Fires burning in the Gordon Lake area have the owners of Sandy Point Lodge more than a little anxious.

"They are engulfed in smoke up there" said Denise Jaurnell Thursday. "We are very concerned about people's health -- one of our guests has asthma."

Jaurnell and her husband, Bruno, are also worried about the impact the fires will have on tourism. "Our guests are very angry and disappointed -- they find this unacceptable."

Smoke has made it impossible for guests at the lodge, 90 kilometres north of Yellowknife, to go fishing or prospecting and the Jaurnells have offered to take them out early. The fires could cost the owners a lot of money.

They said they will be refunding money if the guests choose to leave. In addition, they have had to notify coming guests of the situation.

The eastern shoreline is burning up. "If something isn't done very soon, one of the most beautiful lakes will be destroyed," worried Denise.

So why is nothing being done? David Purchase, forest standards co-ordinator at Fort Smith fire headquarters, explained that at the moment, the closest fire is eight kilometres from the lodge, and neither life and nor property -- what firefighters call "values" -- is threatened.

"The fires are being monitored" said Purchase, "But they are not moving toward the lodge at this time."

Presently, there are 31 fires burning in the North Great Slave region. "We have to assess all fires in proximity to values." he explained.

There are several fires close to Yellowknife that are considered more threatening, and are therefore higher on the priority list for action.

"If the fires (near Gordon Lake) get to a range where we feel it's threatening, action will be taken," said Purchase.

As for the smoke, there is not much to be done except wait. "There is so much smoke up there, it doesn't matter which way the wind blows."