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.

In other news:

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

About the Author

Keep Reading

An image of fallen DeKalb firefighter Preston Fant is shown as members of the Metro Atlanta’s firefighters and the community come together for a memorial service for Fant at Truist Park on Thursday. The 21-year firefighting veteran died Sept. 8th. He became trapped in the blaze while trying to rescue another firefighter. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / Arvin.Temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com