MNDOT: Watch for prescribed burns along Hwy. 14 Tuesday

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Drivers traveling on Highway 14 from Janesville to Waseca may see smoke from crews conducting a prescribed burn on Tuesday, October 15, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MN DOT says drivers should expect lane closures and will encounter signs as they approach the burn area warning of the potential of smoke. MN DOT asks drivers to be attentive, slow down, and watch for the burn crew, who are monitoring the efforts.

MN DOT says drivers don’t need to call the fire department when they see a prescribed burn that’s being attended to by a burn crew. Prescribed burns are scheduled during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

MnDOT performs the prescribed burning of grassland vegetation along many roadsides, which provides for optimal vegetation health. Healthy roadside vegetation provides safer clear zones, stabilizes soil, conveys runoff, and treats stormwater runoff. Healthy roadside vegetation also provides additional benefits such as preserving populations of rare species and making roadsides more attractive. Fire also promotes tall native grasses and forbs that trap blowing snow and prevent it from drifting across the road. Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed.

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