2 Lanes Of I-95 Shut Down As Crews Battle Mulch Fire: Westport FD

WESTPORT, CT — Two lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down as crews extinguished a mulch pile fire Saturday morning in Westport, according to fire officials.

In a news release, Assistant Chief Brian Meadows said firefighters were called to Post Office Lane around 6 a.m., where they found a large mulch pile emitting smoke and flames. Access to the fire was limited, Meadows said.

Two lanes of I-95 northbound near exits 18 and 19 were shut down after firefighters determined the best access to the fire was from the interstate, Meadows said. Connecticut state police assisted crews by providing traffic control during the incident.

Due to the distance to the closest fire hydrant, special mutual aid tankers were called to the area from the Weston and Wilton fire departments, Meadows said.

"A tanker shuttle operation delivered over 8,000 gallons of water to the deep-seated fire that also required the use of an excavator to open the pile," Meadows said in a news release.

Firefighters ultimately extinguished the fire and left the area around 8 a.m., Meadows said.