Watch for prescribed burns along the highway. 14 Tuesday

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

According to MN DOT, motorists should expect lane closures and will encounter signs warning of possible smoke as they approach the fire area. MN DOT asks drivers to be alert, slow down and pay attention to fire crews monitoring the work.

According to the MN DOT, drivers do not have to call the fire department if they see a prescribed fire that is being addressed by a fire protection team. Prescribed burns are performed in optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

MnDOT conducts prescribed burning of grassland vegetation along many roadsides, which ensures optimal vegetation health. Healthy roadside vegetation creates safer open spaces, stabilizes soil, diverts runoff water, and treats stormwater runoff. Healthy street planting also offers other benefits, such as preserving rare species and making roadsides more attractive. Fire also encourages tall native grasses and forbs that catch the snow and keep it from drifting across the road. Native prairie vegetation will be planted along the highway to reduce mowing effort.

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