Smell Or See Smoke Near Idyllwild? Here's What's Burning

IDYLLWILD, CA — A controlled burn is underway in the area of Pine Cove and Idyllwild, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

"From Monday through Friday, the prescribed pile burning operations will take place as part of the Red Hill Vegetation Management Program," a spokesperson for the department shared in a recent news release. The burn will take place and be visible west of Highway 243, between Pine Cove and Idyllwild.

Burning operations will begin daily around 7 a.m. and conclude by 6 p.m. that same day.

"The prescribed burn at Red Hill is designed to reduce accumulated vegetation and wildfire fuels within the Red Hill project area," they said.

It's all part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk in the area, which, in turn, supports firefighter safety and the ecosystem's overall health.

"Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to reduce hazardous fuels and lessen the severity of wildfires," they said. "Projects like the Red Hill VMP help protect lives, property and natural resources."

This week, the burning operation consists of igniting previously constructed vegetation piles under carefully monitored conditions.

"Crews will be on-site to manage fire behavior, ensure containment, and conduct mop-up activities until the piles are fully extinguished," they said.

Residents and drivers should expect to see and smell drift smoke from this activity throughout the week.

"(The smoke) will disperse quickly and is not expected to be a health hazard," they said. The burning operation will only occur on permissive burn days as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.