The writing's on the wall for what should be a busy spring for local firefighters.

That made Sunday's training all the more vital for the Albertville Fire Department, who utilized yet another unseasonably warm day to train on brush fires.

The department set fire to an area just east of the Sunoco Station and Center Cut (formerly Steffen's) Meats, along Barthel Industrial Boulevard.

The blaze slowed traffic a bit on Interstate 94, as south winds pushed the smoke over the freeway. But things moved along steadily.

Residents in the area did call 911, but were told it was only a training exercise.

The Albertville Fire Department cleared out the coulee in their backyard a year ago, along 57th Street, in much the same manner. That area has grown back, already.