New Smyrna Beach, FL - Florida Forest Service officials are still investigating what caused a brush fire that prompted a shutdown of I-95 in both directions from SR-44 to Dunlawton Ave. in New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday.
The brush fire was reported between 11 AM and noon on Wednesday. The fire continued to burn throughout Wednesday and into Thursday. Both directions of I-95 were re-opened on Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon, the fire was 90% contained at 204 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service of Bunnell.
Julie Allen, Public Information Officer for the Florida Forest Service of Bunnell, says that the cause of the fire is still being investigated, and while there were two authorized burns in the area of the fire on Wednesday, the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
"Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers have been monitoring the I-95 area between Dunlawton and SR-44 throughout the day for visibility issues," Kim Montes, Public Affairs Officer for FHP, explains. She adds that the smoke from the fire dissipated on Thursday morning, but that FHP will work with local fire departments and the Division of Forestry to monitor the area just in case there are any "hot spots" or fire flare-ups.
"For drivers, we also want them to be prepared because the fires and visibility can change at a moment's notice, and sometimes it's hard to predict," says Montes. She suggests drivers plan for potential road shut-downs in case of fire flare-ups, and she urges that drivers keep alternate routes in mind in case the roads are shut down again.
Allen says there are measures residents can take to prevent wildfires like the one in New Smyrna. "As we get into April, May, and June, this is the height of our fire season," explains Allen. "What we are asking is for folks to take those measures, to look on your home and around your home to reduce your wildfire risk." Residents can remove debris such as pine needles and vegetation from around their homes.
Photo courtesy Florida Forest Service of Bunnell social media.
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