Drivers in the area may see smoke from prescribed burns throughout the fall along variovus highways, including Highway 218 between Austin and Owatonna and Highway 56 between Rose Creek and LeRoy.

Traffic should not be affected and all highways will remain open during the burns.

Trained prescribed burn crews monitor these burns, which promote native prairie vegetation growth and control weeds and brush.

The burns are scheduled during optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Native prairie vegetation is planted along highway right of way to reduce the amount of mowing needed, which saves taxpayers’ money.

To learn more about prescribed burns, visit www.mndot.gov/roadsides/vegetation/fire.html.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

 

Other burns:

•Highway 14 west of Claremont

•Highway 52 near Harmony and Canton

•Interstate 90 near Eyota

•Wetland restoration near Hokah

•Wetland restoration near Ellendale