St. Petersburg, Fla. (970 WFLA) - Interstate 275 and Gandy Boulevard have re-opened after heavy smoke from a nearby brush fire forced Florida Highway Patrol to close both roads through Friday's rush hour. The fire is believed to have started when spark from a lawn mower ignited grass clippings. Wind quickly spread the flames over dry ground and a thick haze soon enveloped I-275 at the Gandy interchange. State troopers closed both roads due to poor visibility. The closures snarled traffic in the area for hours.
St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman warned people to avoid the area late yesterday afternoon..