Controlled Burn in Corcoran Draws Big Interest in Maple Grove

Corcoran city workers worked on a controlled burn Thursday, Nov. 15 to help with "drainage" for area farmers and roadways, according to city workers on the scene.

The controlled burned was aimed at some of the dead brush and weeds lining the bushes in the fields near Shutte Road and Brandywine Road in Corcoran, behind Corcoran City Hall and off of a gravel road off located near County Road 101 and Rush Creek Elementary. The Maple Grove Police Department, on its Facebook page, said the controlled burn was 20 acres in Corcoran. 

Dozens of interested drivers ventured onto the gravel roadway near the controlled burn to catch a glimpse of the fire. Those driving near Lord of Life Lutheran Church might have received some ash on their vehicle throughout the morning.

In addition to Corcoran city employees, it appeared the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was onsite to assist as well.

Updated 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15: According to the US National Weather Service Twin Cities Minnesota Facebook page: A 20 acre controlled burn, that began around 11 am to the east of Corcoran in northern Hennipen county, produced a plume of smoke that spread southeast across the county towards Minneapolis through the early afternoon hours. The doppler radar here in Chanhassen captured the smoke plume (outlined in white) as northwest winds aloft carried the smoke to the southeast.

The doppler graphic can be seen on the US National Weather Service Twin Cities Minnesota Facebook page.

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