Fort Smith (July 12/04) - A large forest fire in Wood Buffalo National Park might eventually threaten Highway 5 to Fort Smith.

As of Saturday, the approximately 35,000-hectare fire was about 32 km southwest of the community's vital lifeline. However, park spokesperson Mike Keizer said the fire is still five to 10 km south of a stand of conifers -- which would provide the much-needed fuel if it was to encroach on the highway.

Whether that happens depends largely on the wind.

On Saturday, a southeast breeze was moving the fire roughly parallel to the highway, Keizer noted. "Basically, it hasn't moved towards the highway."

Though the road is potentially in harms way, the fire is still 100 km from Fort Smith.

The park officials met with emergency measures workers in the community Smith on Friday to provide an update on the situation.

"We were told there is no imminent danger to the town at this time," said Roy Scott, the emergency measures co-ordinator for the town.

However, Scott said the community is already looking at various contingency measures.

"It's a little premature for it, but it's better to be prepared," he said.

As of Saturday, the fire was being fought by four helicopters and four three-person ground crews.

If smoke covers the highway, a park vehicle will guide traffic through when it is safe.

If the road is smoke-free, traffic will be waved through.