ALERT: Interstate 95 closed by fire

Historic City News continues to monitor the condition of a 10 to 15 acre timber fire which has forced the closure I-95 northbound from US-1 and southbound from SR-206 until further notice.

Firefighters began extinguishment efforts to control the blaze yesterday and thought they were making progress until the wind shifted direction this afternoon.

Public Information Officer Jeremy Robshaw says firefighters on the scene identified the windshift when it first occurred around 2:00 p.m.; blowing so much smoke over I-95 that it was deemed unsafe for travel.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue personnel and firefighters from other agencies are combining their efforts from the air and ground.

The Florida Highway Patrol said US-1 and A1A is the preferred alternate route in southern St. Johns County so long as the Interstate remains closed.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer