Around 7 p.m. Thursday, crews were battling a massive fire on I-85 northbound just south of Ga. 400 when a section of the highway collapsed, officials said.
The fire caused an enormous black smoke cloud visible from much of metro Atlanta.
The Georgia Department of Public Health said wind is now pushing smoke into other areas, but there has been “no significant toxicity identified in the smoke.”
Smoke can cause coughing, headaches, stinging eyes or a runny nose, the public health department warned. It could particularly affect those with heart disease or lung disease.
The public health department said people should limit their exposure to the smoke by staying inside, keeping windows and doors closed, running an air conditioner if possible but keeping fresh air intake closed, avoid burning candles, fireplaces or gas stoves, and even vacuuming, which can stir up particles.
Those who have difficulty breathing or whose symptoms worsen should get medical attention, the public health department said.
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