Yellowknife, N.W.T. - Highway 1 is open once again in the NWT following a short closure early Monday morning.

Hay River RCMP had put out an advisory that the Mackenzie Highway northbound from Alberta into the territory had been shut because of a forest fire between Steen River and Indian Cabins.

Sergeant Wes Heron with G Division RCMP said the highway was originally closed due to smoke causing visibility problems, but things have improved on the road for the time being.

"From what I can gather, this morning highway 1 south of Enterprise is now back open to traffic; I can’t speak of anything on the

Alberta side. But suffice it to say that if the road is open, the Hay River detachment is advised that traffic is flowing south with some limited traffic coming north."

For those travelling down Highway 1 southbound, Heron said they should be taking precautions to make sure they stay safe.

"Please pay attention, if there is smoke or anything like that please ensure that all your head lights are on and that you slow down and you get to where you're going safely."

Heron did caution that the road could close again if smoke from the fire becomes a visibility hazard.

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