MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A tree debris fire burning out of control Friday in Marion County has prompted a road closure, school travel changes and a warning for motorists using Interstate 75.
The fire is burning along NW Gainesville Road, east of I-75.
[FLASHBACK VIDEO BELOW: FDOT looks to expand I-75 in Marion]
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that a “permitted, approximately 40-acre, commercial burn site of tree debris ... has become uncontrolled.”
Highway 326 north to 100th Street was closed due to heavy smoke, the post stated. The fire initially caused Fessenden Elementary students and staff to be redirected to North Marion Middle School. Marion County Public Schools later said students were being taken back to Fessenden Elementary and that the school day will resume as normal.
Earlier, the Florida Highway Patrol issued a warning for drivers using I-75.
“This may affect travel on I-75 and area roadways due to possible smoke on the roadways,” the FHP said.
Troopers said drivers should reduce their speed and use low-beam headlights to adapt to changing weather conditions.
[SEPT. VIDEO BELOW: Dump truck strikes I-75 overpass in Marion]