State Road 54 Lanes Open After Brush Fires

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Update April 25, 9:15 p.m.: Pasco County Fire Rescue says all lanes of State Road 54 have reopened after brush fires forced their closing earlier on Tuesday. Motorists are asked to use caution when driving in the area of the Anclote River bridge.

Earlier: As Pasco County Fire Rescue crews continue to battle several fires that broke out Tuesday afternoon along State Road 54, officials say the road is closed in the eastbound direction between Old County Road 54 and Mitchell Ranch Road. Westbound lanes that were closed earlier in the evening had reopened around 8 p.m.

Pasco County Fire Rescue officials say that two brush fires that broke out in the area had been contained, but crews were remaining on scene to address hot spots. As a result, the eastbound closing remained in place to accommodate emergency vehicle activity.

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"Citizens need to remain cognizant of low laying smoke in the areas of the brush fires and use due caution when driving through the area," Deputy Chief Andrew Fossa wrote in an email to media Tuesday night.

Earlier in the evening, county officials reported the brush fires covered about 32 acres combined. The fires appeared suspicious, officials said, but no official cause has been released.

It is unclear how long the road closing will last.

Further information is not yet available.

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This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates as they become available.

Photo courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue