Wildfire smoke closes Hwy 1 between Enterprise, N.W.T., and Alberta

Smoky skies are seen on Highway 1 in this file photo taken south of Fort Providence, N.W.T., on Sunday. (Liny Lamberink/CBC)

By RCI, CBC News

Closure comes after territory warns of ‘extreme’ fire activity

Highway 1 between Enterprise, N.W.T., and the Alberta border is closed due to wildfire smoke, according to a statement from the territorial government.

Heavy smoke is coming from wildfires to the west and south. In a statement Tuesday morning, N.

W.T. Fire said there are no wildfire threats to Enterprise or Hay River.

The heavy smoke has created low visibility and difficult driving conditions.

The Highway 1 closure came the morning after N.W.T. Fire said “extreme” fire activity was expected over the next 24 hours due to high winds.

Some rain, forecasted to start this morning in southern parts of the territory, is expected to help mitigate nearby fire growth.

As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Alberta side of the highway is open.

A photo from a highway web cam in Indian Cabins, Alta., shows brown smoky skies and low visibility.