A massive wildfire continues to burn Monday night, forcing the evacuation of dozens of people from their homes in Scottsmoor in Brevard County.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) shut down I-95 in both directions between State Road 46 and State Road 442 around 3:00 p.m. on Monday. The 21-mile stretch of I-95 that was closed led to major traffic congestion, as the brush fire burned uncontrollably.
The fire also forced troopers to close down US-1 in both directions, from SR 46 to Maytown Road in Volusia County.
In addition to voluntary evacuations of residents in Scottsmoor, persons were evacuated from the Crystal Lake RV Park in the area.
There are reports that flames reached as high as 20 feet in the air, blowing east owing to strong winds. The fire had jumped a portion of US-1, floridatoday.com reported.
Brevard County Fire-Rescue Officials estimate the fire covers at least 4,000 acres.
Volusia and Brevard County Fire-Rescue officials, along with the Florida Division of Forestry and the City of Edgewater officials are working to try to contain the massive fire.
I-95 remained closed in both directions at the Brevard-Volusia line, as of 10:00 p.m.
Troopers said, drivers traveling southbound on I-95 will have to exit off onto SR 44, in New Smyrna Beach (previously this was SR 442). Drivers traveling northbound on I-95 will have to exit off onto SR 46, in Mims.
US-1 is shut down in both directions from SR 46 to SR 3 (Kennedy Parkway).
Troopers said, drivers should be prepared for these closures to remain in place throughout the night and into the morning commute.
Florida Highway Patrol will reopen roadways as soon as it is safe to do so.
Drivers can get live updates by calling 511.
