Massive Brush Fire Closes Central Fla. Roads

May 29, 2006
A lightning strike is being blamed for sparking the blaze that involved 1,000 acres.

A 1,000-acre brush fire closed portions of state Road 50, state Road 192, state Road 528 and Interstate 95 along with other nearby roads Monday, according to Local 6 News.

MAP: Monday Closures

State Road 50 between Brevard and Orange County remained closed and will remain closed until approximately 10 a.m. on Monday morning.

Officials also closed Interstate 95 northbound at S.R. 528 ( Beachline) Mile Marker 205 in the Titusville area and southbound at S.R. 406 (Garden Street) Mile Marker 220 in the Titusville area.

US 192 (State Road 500) in Melbourne was also closed.

Firefighters said a lightning strike on Friday is to blame for the blaze that continued to grow Sunday.

"Twenty percent of the fire has been contained but it is far from contained," Local 6 reporter Deborah Garcia said Sunday night.

Earlier Sunday, firefighters lit a backfire to keep the flames from crossing S.R. 50 and threatening businesses and an RV park near Fox Lake Road.

"We have used everything but the kitchen sink," a firefighter told Local 6 News.

Several people living near Fox Lake Road, west of I-95, voluntarily evacuated to escape the smoke, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.

"I elected to go, kind of like evacuating from a hurricane," said Mike Steinacher, a resident of Great Outdoors RV Park, who brought an overnight bag and important papers.

Despite an absence of injuries and property damage, residents worried.

"I live in my motor coach and I cant get to it," said Tom Baugher, who watched the fire through binoculars after returning from visiting a friend.

About 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, officials closed portions of I-95 and SR 50. Some 65 to 70 firefighters were on the scene.

With four traffic fatalities in Brevard County since Tuesday and smoky conditions expected to close parts I-95 and SR 50 Sunday, police warned drivers to be especially careful.

The Florida Highway Patrol plans to enforce seatbelt laws to reduce the number of fatal accidents.

"Pay attention to where youre driving," warned FHP Sgt. Channing Taylor. Drivers can expect smoke and smog from ongoing brush fires, in addition to frantic Memorial Day drivers.

"There's a lot of people out there," said Taylor. "Put your headlights on and dont be in a hurry."

Last Memorial Day, 44 people died statewide in 42 fatal car accidents, more than a third alcohol-related and more than half not wearing seat belts. In 2004, that figure was 22.

Friday, six separate chain collisions on the Beeline Expressway involving 26 vehicles were reported. An unidentified woman was killed and 11 people injured. Smoke and fog are blamed for those accidents.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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