Prescribed Burns Set to Resume Near Idyllwild and Pine Cove to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Fire crews are preparing to resume prescribed burns around the mountain communities of Idyllwild and Pine Cove as part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk.

According to Riverside County Fire Department, controlled burning operations could begin at any time this week and may continue intermittently through Feb. 27, depending on weather conditions.

Officials say the burns were initially expected to start Monday, but were postponed when conditions failed to meet safety criteria. Residents in nearby mountain areas — along with motorists traveling Highways 74, 243, and Interstate 10 — are advised not to be alarmed if they see smoke columns rising in the region.

The work is focused in the Red Hills Project Area near the communities, where crews plan to eliminate up to 10 acres of excess vegetation. Most of the activity involves burning pre-constructed slash piles, with the first pile burned in mid-January.

“A prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to reduce hazardous fuels and lessen the severity of future wildfires,” the department stated.

Burn operations typically begin around 7 a.m. and wrap up by nightfall. Officials emphasized that smoke may drift into surrounding neighborhoods but is expected to disperse quickly and should not pose a health hazard.

Fire crews closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day, and operations are immediately suspended if winds increase or humidity drops too low.

Last week, U.S. Forest Service personnel conducted similar prescribed burns in the general area without incident.

No road closures are currently planned in connection with the burns.

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