Man detained after brush fire near I-85 bridge collapse site

Atlanta police have detained a man in connection with a small brush fire near the I-85 northbound ramp at Cheshire Bridge Road, Officer Donald Hannah said.

The fire was just north of the Ga. 400 exit, near the site of the recent I-85 bridge collapse.

Hannah said the area was quickly contained and an investigation was underway.

No other details were released on Monday’s fire, the second in less than a month in the area.

I-85 has been shut down since March 30 when a fire engulfed part of the interstate. In less than 24 hours after the fire, officials arrested Basil Eleby, 39, after two witnesses told authorities he placed a chair inside a shopping cart and set it on fire. The flames spread to high-density plastic conduit stored under the bridge by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

He was indicted on arson and criminal damage to property charges April 7 and could face 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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DeKalb County firefighters are watering the buckled road as police work on alternative routes for commuters.

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