Riverside County fire crews initiated a controlled burn Wednesday just west of Lake Skinner in the French Valley area to clear hundreds of acres of excess brush, and residents and motorists were advised not to be alarmed by the smoke.
According to the California Highway Patrol, several calls were received reporting a wildfire near Auld and Borel roads, where the 300-acre prescribed burn got underway about 7 a.m.
Dispatchers assured the callers that the smoke was part of a planned operation.
Crews are slated to return to the area Thursday to complete the burn, provided weather conditions remain favorable, with minimal winds.
“The project is aimed at eliminating non-native grass, as well as the hazard posed by flammable vegetation,” according to a Cal Fire statement. “In addition to the ecological and hazard reduction benefits, firefighters from multiple departments are provided the opportunity to participate in valuable wildland fire suppression training.”
Controlled burns have been carried out for the past several months countywide to reduce potential fuels during Wildfire Season, which usually runs into November.
Inmate hand crews are working alongside full-time fire personnel in the current operation, which is supported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Riverside County Parks & Open Space District.
Anyone with questions or concerns was asked to contact the county fire public information bureau at 951-940-6985.