Smoke May Be Visible in Banning, Beaumont, Cal Fire Warns. Here's Why

IDYLLWILD-PINE COVE, CA — Fire officials advised local residents in the areas surrounding Idyllwild-Pine Cove that smoke may be visible on Friday as firefighters conduct a "prescribed burn" to mitigate wildfire risk.

The operation, called Red Hill Vegetation Management Project, is a scheduled prescribed burn that will take place west of Highway 243 near Idyllwild and Pine Cove, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

California's wildfire season picks up in the late spring and peaks in the summer and fall.

Fire officials said Friday's operation is "conducted under specific weather conditions to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health."

No additional information was immediately available.