Crews monitor I-Drive brush fire that closed I-4

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County fire crews continue to monitor a brush fire that closed I-4 near International Drive on Friday.

The brush fire sent heavy smoke up in the International Drive area and closed both directions of I-4 Friday afternoon.

I-4 was closed in both directions between S.R 192 and S.R 535 while firefighters battled the blaze.

The interstate reopened around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

According to Kim Montes, of the Florida Highway Patrol, drivers coming eastbound on I-4 were forced to exit the interstate at SR 417. Tolls were suspended.

Westbound traffic was forced off of I-4 at SR 528 (the Beachline), tolls on that road were suspended as well, Montes said.

International Drive was closed for a time in the area as well.

Traffic Information:  WFTV Traffic Section

Here’s a look at alternate southbound routes:

• When you exit at the Beachline, take it eastbound to southbound John Young Parkway.
• SR-417 southbound will get you back to I-4

If you're trying to make it to Orlando:

• When you exit at SR-417, take northbound John Young Parkway
• Take JYP to westbound SR-528 to get back onto I-4 to downtown Orlando

Firefighters from Orange County, Osceola County and the Division of Forestry battled the blaze in the area of World Center Drive.

Approximately fifteen acres burned, according to a spokesman from the fire service.

According to Orange County Fire Rescue no buildings were in danger.

Forestry officials said high winds in the area made it a difficult fire to fight.

WFTV