Lakeland Police shut down a portion of George Jenkins Boulevard early Wednesday evening as crews worked to contain a brush fire in the area.
As of 8:30 p.m., the Lakeland Fire Department reported the fire was contained, and that the Florida Forest Service was on the scene cutting a perimeter to maintain containment.
Brush fire is contained & under control. @FFS_Lakeland on scene,going to cut perimeter to continue containment.Train traffic allowed again. pic.twitter.com/ujWqQVeO9g
— Lakeland Fire (@LakelandFD) May 18, 2017
Earlier in the day, heavy winds complicated the effort to combat the fire. At one point, the flames jumped the George Jenkins Boulevard overpass in the area and spread to the woods on the other side.
Photos just taken at scene of brush fire at George Jenkins Overpass area. Flames jumped overpass due to heavy winds. Only half contained now pic.twitter.com/oHsV8btRzq
— Lakeland Fire (@LakelandFD) May 17, 2017
Lakeland Police shut down traffic on George Jenkins Boulevard at Sloan Avenue around 6:30 p.m.
Lakeland Fire Department crews are on the scene fighting the fire. No information has been released yet regarding the size of the fire or level of containment.
Brush fire at five points area of #lkld, North of Lakeland Center. LFD on scene now. No structures in danger, no injuries. Avoid area.
— Lakeland Fire (@LakelandFD) May 17, 2017
Both east and westbound lanes of the George Jenkins overpass between Sloan Avenue and Kathleen Road are expected to remain closed overnight as Lakeland Fire Department and Florida Forest Service crews work to maintain containment on the fire. Lakeland Police officers will remain on scene to assist with traffic.