CINCINNATI — All lanes of I-471 are closed, including the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, after a fire tore through Sawyer Point Park early Friday morning.

According to the Cincinnati Fire Department, a vehicle fire near the I-471 bridge spread to the park, catching the playground on fire. Cincinnati police said they were first informed of the fire at vehicle around 3:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Katie Cepero

“When we got here, the park under the bridge was completely submerged,” said CPD Lt. Patrick Caton. “The flames were rising above the park, above the bridge and they were actually causing damage to the bridge.”

Caton said the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge itself caught fire.

The park fire grew quickly, and due to the size of the fire, several fire crews were called to fight it.

“This playground was heavily involved in a fire and the fire actually transmitted to the I-471 bridge structure,” Deputy Fire Chief Matt Flagler said. “There are nets and equipment under that bridge that also caught fire.”

The fire is currently under control, according to the CFD. Caton said some parts are still smoldering, however.

Flagler said the playground fire was put out fairly quickly, but the fire that spread to the bridge is complex and “caused damage to the structural steel that’s on that bridge.” .

ODOT

According to KYTC, the fire occurred under the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge on the Ohio River side.

KYTC is rerouting drivers off I-471 at the KY-8 exit.

KYTC and ODOT are on scene and bridge inspectors are on the bridge to begin examining it once the fire is completely extinguished.

Jay Shakur

KYTC said there is no timetable for reopening the bridge.

CPD said no one was injured in the fire, but it caused significant property damage.

Highway closed in both directions after fire ravages nearby Cincinnati park