N.W.T. Highway 7 reopens, but wildfire could cause more closures

Highway 7 at about 2 p.m. on June 30, 2024. (Bernice Hardisty/Facebook - image credit)
Highway 7 at about 2 p.m. on June 30, 2024. (Bernice Hardisty/Facebook - image credit)

Highway 7 that connects the N.W.T. to B.C. reopened on Monday, one day after an active wildfire led to its closure.

The N.W.T. department of infrastructure announced the reopening on Facebook, but warned drivers to expect possible future closures as the wildfire remains active at kilometre 236.

The highway was previously closed between the Nahanni Butte access road and Checkpoint.

The fire is located about 45 kilometres, southwest of the Fort Simpson airport and was previously brought under control.

N.W.T. Fire wrote in its recent update that the fire "flared up under hot, dry conditions and heavy winds" and jumped containment. It has grown to 164 hectares.

N.W.T. wrote that airtankers will aim to keep its intensity down, maintain highway access and limit its growth.