Prescribed burns along Highway 60 between Mountain Lake and Windom  

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Drivers traveling on westbound Highway 60 between Mountain Lake and Windom may see smoke from crews conducting a prescribed burn today, April 30, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MNDot says drivers should expect lane closures and will encounter signs as they approach the burn area warning of the potential of smoke.

There is no need for motorists 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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