ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
Firefighters were busy battling several brush fires across Central Florida on Wednesday.
In Orange County, six apartment buildings at Grandeville on Avalon Park were evacuated as flames came dangerously close the complex. The 7-acre fire broke out around 5 p.m. Residents were able to return to their apartments early in the evening, but heavy smoke remained and conditions will be monitored throughout the night.
Earlier in the day, a small fire was reported in Apopka. The one-and-a-half-acre fire came close to a home near the intersection of West Ella J. Gilmore St. and Madden Rd. The fire is 100 percent contained and there is no worry that this could rekindle.
In Brevard County, a fire in Malabar briefly closed portions of U.S. Hwy 1. The Florida Highway Patrol said heavy smoke made it difficult for drivers to see in the area between Malabar Rd. and Marie St. No homes were threatened by this 20-acre fire.
In Indian River County, officials say all lanes on Interstate 95 have re-opened after the highway closed earlier because of a brush fire.
Florida Forest Services reports that the blaze was first noticed around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, sending smoke across the interstate at mile marker 142. It has since grown to about 60 acres but was contained by Wednesday evening.
Earlier Wednesday, southbound traffic was being diverted at State Road 60 in Indian River County. Northbound motorists were being directed to exit at Orange Avenue in St. Lucie County.
