Sections of I-95 in Florida Remain Closed

May 11, 2006
Authorities worry that trees will fall across the highway in Volusia County.

A wildfire in Volusia County is causing even more problems Thursday. Interstate 95 is shut down from fear of falling trees.

EXPERTS: Don't Expect A Repeat Of 1998 Wildfires

Thursdays rain may wet down the wildfires, but it brings new worries for firefighters. Mixed in the rain is a lot of lightning and the chance for even more fires to flare up.

I-95 is shut down because of the New Smyrna Beach wildfire. The fire damaged the roots of trees along I-95 between Edgewater and Port Orange, and those trees could easily fall.

The entrance to I-95 from Dunlawton remains closed and it may still be days before Forestry gives the all clear.

Forestry is concerned about trees that are about to fall called snags and they can be deadly. Some of the trees are 40 to 60 feet tall.

Forestry is concerned that the recent fire that swept through the area burned away the roots of the large trees that line I-95. They said, if the roots are gone, it's only a matter of time before they fall.

Forestry is concerned they will fall and block the roadway or, worse, fall on a car that is driving down I-95.

A special team is evaluating each tree that could possible fall onto I-95 and they are marking the ones that could fall with paint. When they are finished, they will bring in a logging company to completely remove the trees. They cannot leave any debris behind, because it will become fuel for future fires.

Forestry said they would not speculate on how long the process will take. There are hundreds, perhaps a thousand, trees that will have to be removed.

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