CANBERRA (REUTERS) - The quality of air in Australia's capital of Canberra was the worst of any major city in the world on Monday (Jan 6) as smoke drifted in from fires, prompting shops and offices to tell staff to stay home and the national gallery to close its doors to protect its art.

While not in any imminent danger from fire, Canberra sits between blazes ravaging the east coast and others inland, and its skies have been darkened by smoke this week.