On Friday, April 5, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) sent out a burning crew out of the Northwest Minnesota Region (District 2) through State Highway 9, heading south just past Beltrami, adjacent to the railroad tracks.
“Our crews are out for these prescribed burns,” said MnDOT Public Affairs representative Leslie Seitz, “We schedule these during optimal weather conditions to make sure there’s safety and effectiveness. What we’re doing for these prescribed burns is for optimal Vegetation holds.”
Optimal Vegetation Holds are important this time of the year because they help prevent weed infestation, help erosion control, protect water quality, and provide safer clear zones. “During these prescribed burns, we want to make sure motorists are aware of treating these areas as if it were a work zone,” said Seitz, “Drive with caution, put your phone down, slow down, and definitely be aware of your surroundings.”
Motorists will encounter signage when approaching the burning areas, warning drivers about potential smoke. If you happen to witness smoke or fire in the burning areas, do not call in and report them.
MnDOT has released that prescribed burns will likely occur throughout April and May.
