Smell Smoke Near Idyllwild, Pine Cove? Here's Why

PINE COVE, CA — Cal Fire/Riverside County Firefighters began a controlled burn Monday to reduce wildfire intensity in the area south of Stone Creek Campground and east of Highway 243. The burn will focus on debris piles created by thinning brush to reduce wildfire intensity and will last between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday.

According to officials, the Stone Creek Hazardous Fuel Reduction project involves burning through wood and debris piles to enhance fire suppression, reduce wildfire intercity, and slow down fire spread, all in the name of public safety. According to Cal Fire, the effort has involved thinning, cutting, pruning, and creating large woody debris piles that are being burned during the project.

Air Quality Management District has warned of drift smoke from the effort that would be completed on Monday.

"This burning operation will only occur on permitted burn days as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District," a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information about the operation was urged to contact Riverside County Fire Department Public Affairs and Community Education Bureau at 951-940-6985.