Large brush fire causes evacuations in North Port: Officials

NORTH PORT, Fla. - UPDATE: 

Crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor the situation and mop up, according to officials.

ORIGINAL STORY:

According to North Port Fire Rescue, there is a large brush fire in the area of Sultan Ave. and Lown St.

Fire crews, the North Port Police Department and the Sarasota County Fire Department responded to the scene, according to authorities.

North Port Fire Rescue says a call came in around 5:21 p.m., and the first unit arrived at the scene at 5:30 p.m. 

Officials say the fire is threatening nearby houses, and evacuations have begun.

No injuries have been reported, according to firefighters. 

The northbound lanes of I-75 were closed and drivers were being diverted to the Toledo Blade Blvd. exit, according to crews.

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