Controlled burn April 1 along Highway 71 near Hewitt and Bertha

BAXTER, Minn. –Residents and motorists who travel along Highway 71 near Hewitt and Bertha, Todd County, may see smoke from a prescribed fire Thursday, April 1.

Traffic should not be affected, and all roadways will remain open. When approaching a prescribed fire in progress, treat the area as a work zone. There will be workers on the roadside, so concentrate on driving and follow any temporary traffic instructions. There is no need to report fires that are attended by a burn crew or when “Controlled Burn Ahead” signs are placed beside the road.

Prescribed fires are controlled by trained crews and conducted within MnDOT property at optimal weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. MnDOT performs prescribed burns of grassland vegetation along many roadsides and on state owned properties, which provides for optimal vegetation health. Healthy roadside vegetation provides safer clear zones, stabilizes soil, conveys runoff, and treats stormwater runoff. Fire also promotes tall native grasses and forbs that trap blowing snow and prevent it from drifting across the road.

For more information on MnDOT’s prescribed fire vegetation management program, visit mndot.gov/roadsides/vegetation/fire.html .

Work is weather permitting and will be rescheduled in early-April if necessary.

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.