Crime & Safety

Interstate 75 Reopens Following Brushfire in Ruskin

The interstate was shut down in southern Hillsborough County and northern Manatee County on Saturday afternoon because of a Ruskin brushfire.

Updated, 8:37 p.m.:

Interstate 75 has reopened in both directions following Saturday's brushfire in Ruskin, TBO.com reports.

Earlier:

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The northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in southern Hillsborough County and northern Manatee County were shut down to traffic Saturday afternoon because of a large brush fire affecting about 30 acres in Ruskin.

The Florida Highway Patrol advised motorists to proceed with caution and to seek alternate routes such as U.S. 301 and U.S. 41.

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All north and southbound lanes had been closed earlier in the afternoon between exit 240 in Ruskin and exit 229 in Parrish.

Officials with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said Saturday evening the fire was contianed but not fully under control. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or fire rescue personnel.

The first call about the fire came in around noon, officials said. Crews found a brush fire had initially spread across about five acres and was threatening nearby homes and properties in the area of 27th Street Southeast and 21st Avenue Southeast in Ruskin.

The fire was quickly spreading because of dry and windy conditions, fire officials said. It consumed a carnival trailer, a few vehicles and an unoccupied mobile home that was not being used as a residence, according to a media release.

Fire rescue crews were still hitting hot spots and preventing the fire from spreading, officials said Saturday evening, to protect homes around the danger zone.

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