Controlled burn near FM Diversion scheduled to begin Thursday

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)  — If you see smoke on the horizon Thursday or Friday, it may be due to controlled burns for the FM Diversion Project.

Red River Valley Alliance will be conducting the burn along the Rush, Lower Rush, Maple, and Sheyenne rivers to clear vegetation for future construction.

The burn is set to begin Thursday morning on the northern end of the stormwater diversion channel along the Rush River.

It will continue along the Maple River south of 33rd Street SE and finish along the Sheyenne River south of 46th Street SE and west of 81st Street S.

Smoke from the burn may be noticeable, but ASN Operations Environmental Coordinator Kristen Almen says they are committed to minimizing disruptions.

“If the wind moves in any direction where it’ll cause a hazard to nearby roads or house they’ll stop immediately,” Almen said. “But if everything goes OK, then they’ll stay until the fire goes out and move on to the next location.”

The burn is being coordinating with area fire departments.

It is expected to run all day Thursday and into Friday if needed.