Update: Firefighters fully contained the brush fire about 8 p.m. Thursday, leading law enforcement to reopen County Road 512, officials said.
Florida Forest Service used tractors to plow lines around the smoldering spots, Indian River County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jamie Coleman said. The Forest Service will go back to the area Friday morning to make sure the flames do not rekindle.
Earlier story
FELLSMERE — Authorities closed westbound County Road 512 after a 10-to-15 acre brush fire – possibly caused by a lightning strike – ignited on vacant land Thursday afternoon, officials said.
No injuries were reported. Fellsmere police Chief Keith Touchberry said there does not appear to be any structures threatened.
Fellsmere police notified Indian River County Fire Rescue crews of the blaze about 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Touchberry said. Fire rescue crews, along with sheriff’s deputies, were also on scene.
FPD, @IRCSheriff and @indianriverfire on scene at CR-512 and I-95 working a brush fire in Fellsmere near I-95 and CR-512. CR-512 west of the Interstate is shut down until further notice. pic.twitter.com/DuY5XPigR3
— Fellsmere Police (@FellsmerePD) May 21, 2020
Billows of smoke and flames, visible to motorists, were a quarter mile west of Interstate 95 and about 100 yards south of C.R. 512, Touchberry said. Firefighters were working to knock down the blaze.
Video provided by @FellsmerePD – Firefighters are working to knock down a 10 to 15 acre brush fire Thursday near C.R. 512 and I-95. #VeroNews pic.twitter.com/wqI8OsdFT6
— Nicholas Samuel (@JournalistNickS) May 21, 2020
A smoky smell lingered near the interstate. A small storm with scattered lightning strikes swept through the area about 6:30 p.m.
Indian River County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jamie Coleman said the flames were contained by 7 p.m. Firefighters monitored the blaze.
Law enforcement officers shut down C.R. 512 west of I-95, Touchberry said. Traffic was being turned around; it was unclear when the roadway would reopen.
Current conditions at the Fellsmere Fire on CR-512 at I-95. pic.twitter.com/wELBSWmFet
— Fellsmere Police (@FellsmerePD) May 21, 2020
Photos provided by Fellsmere Police Department
This story will be updated.
