Local
Car Fire Shuts Down I-95 Southbound Near International Golf Parkway; No Injuries Reported
A vehicle fire in the center lane of I-95 southbound near International Golf Parkway halted all traffic Monday morning, with firefighters battling flames fueled by leaking gas. No injuries were reported.
A car fire in the center lane of Interstate 95 southbound just before International Golf Parkway shut down all lanes Monday morning, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue. The blaze sent thick black smoke into the air and forced backed-up traffic to squeeze past on the left shoulder as crews worked to extinguish the flames.
Firefighters appeared to struggle at times as the fire crept across the highway and repeatedly reignited. St. Johns County Fire Rescue spokesperson Chris Naff said gasoline from the vehicle fed the flames and made them difficult to put out. Naff confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The fire was reported around 8 a.m., and by 8:28 a.m. crews were still on scene. The Florida Department of Transportation provided a live feed of the closure as emergency responders worked.
The shutdown created significant delays for southbound commuters during the morning rush, with traffic forced to navigate around the fire scene on the shoulder. Drivers were advised to expect residual backups as lanes reopened.
The cause of the fire has not been released. The incident highlights the potential for vehicle fires to quickly disrupt major thoroughfares and the importance of quick response by local fire crews.