Fort Smith (July 12/04) - Forest fires in the South Slave and Deh Cho were not threatening any communities as of Saturday, but where there's fire there's smoke.

More concern was being raised due the smoke than because of the fires themselves.

Early last week, two Nahanni Butte elders were moved to Fort Simpson for several days as a precaution against potential breathing problems.

The smoke in the community was heavy at the time, but has since eased, said Celine Antoine, manager of the Nahanni Butte Dene Band.

Smoke in the South Slave is mostly coming from a 35,000-hectare fire in Wood Buffalo National Park.

"Depending on prevailing winds and temperature inversions, the communities of Hay River, Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald may experience smoke," said park spokesperson Mike Keizer.

That has health officials monitoring the situation.

Kim Brooks of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority said on Thursday smoke has not been a significant problem in the community.

However, she added, "the potential is there."

In Fort Smith, there have been several calls but no visits to the health clinic about the smoke, said Peter Sudworth, the acting chief executive officer of the health authority.

"At this moment, we're not receiving a great deal of concern," he said.

Sudworth described the situation in Fort Smith as hazy in the morning and clearing up through the day.

Dr. Andre Corriveau, the NWT's chief medical health officer, said people suffering from chronic lung conditions and heart problems are particularly susceptible to smoke.

His general advice for those concerned about smoke is to stay indoors and avoid outdoors exercise. "Try to minimize any exposure."

Still dry

Two large fires are being monitored in Nahanni National Park Reserve.

"There's no threat to the community of Nahanni Butte," said park spokesperson Sophie Borcoman, noting the closest park fire is 120 km away.

Outside of national parks, there were 25 forest fires burning in the NWT, of which four were being actioned as of late last week, according to the NWT Fire Centre in Fort Smith.

One was a 130- hectare fire about 5 km from Nahanni Butte. In the South Slave, there were only two small fires -- each in and near the Cameron Hills area -- and both under control.

"It's still very dry in the forest," said Bill Mawdsley, the territorial duty officer at the NWT Fire Centre.

"All the rain is going to do is calm things down until the next dry spell."

Recent rain has been localized showers, he said, noting the last widespread rain was in early June.