Fire crews are slated Monday to begin eliminating nearly 300 acres around Lake Mathews as part of a controlled burn to remove excess vegetation and restore native habitat, and residents and motorists were advised not to be alarmed when they see the columns of smoke.
The Riverside County Fire Department is coordinating with the county Habitat Conservation Agency and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to conduct the prescribed burn along the southern boundaries of the lake.
The objective is to burn off 289 acres throughout the week, generally between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, weather conditions permitting. The operation will aid in rehabilitating habitat for the burrowing owl and the Stephens’ kangaroo rat, according to the fire department.
“Drift smoke may be visible from nearby communities but will disperse quickly and is not expected to be a health hazard,” the agency said.
Motorists traveling the Riverside (91) Freeway to the north, Interstate 15 to the west and Interstate 215 to the east will likely see the smoke columns but should not be alarmed, officials said.
The California Highway Patrol typically receives multiple calls when prescribed burns are underway.
Anyone with questions or concerns was advised to contact the fire department’s public affairs bureau at 951-940-6985.