Seeing Smoke? Controlled Burns At Lake Skinner, Lake Mathews

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department is conducting controlled burns around Southwest Riverside County this week.

On Wednesday crews are conducting prescribed burning near Lake Skinner in the area of Warren Road and Washington Avenue, near Glen Oaks in east Temecula. On Thursday, crews will be conducting prescribed burning near Lake Mathews in the area of El Sobrante and Mockingbird Canyon roads.

Both burns begin at approximately 6 a.m. Each is aimed at removing noxious weeds and grass, reducing hazardous vegetation and habitat restoration. The burns also serve as fire suppression training for Cal Fire engine crews along with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate crews, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The Lake Skinner burn will total 57 acres, and the Lake Mathews burn 117 acres.

Drift smoke may be visible from nearby communities, but will disperse quickly and is not expected to be a health hazard, according to the department.