PINE COVE, Calif. — Smoke may be visible across the San Jacinto Mountains Thursday and Friday as fire crews conduct prescribed burning operations west of Highway 243.
The CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department announced that the burning operations, part of the Red Hill Vegetation Management Program (VMP), are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, and Friday, Jan. 23. The operations are situated between the communities of Pine Cove and Idyllwild.
According to the department, the burn is designed to eliminate accumulated vegetation and wildfire fuels within the project area.
“These operations are an important part of CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk, improve firefighter safety and enhance long-term ecosystem health,” officials stated in a press release.
Burning is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. The operation consists of igniting vegetation piles constructed previously by fire crews.
While drift smoke may be visible to residents in nearby communities, fire officials noted it “will disperse quickly and is not expected to be a health hazard.”
Crews will remain on-site throughout the operation to monitor fire behavior, ensure containment, and conduct mop-up activities until all piles are fully extinguished.
The burns are contingent upon permissive burn days as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
The department emphasized that projects like the Red Hill VMP are vital for community safety. “Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to reduce hazardous fuels and lessen the severity of future wildfires,” the statement read.
