Don’t Worry, It’s Not a Wildfire Near Lake Mathews But a Training Burn

What to Know

Wildfire season officially starts next month.
Crews are slated to conduct the "training burn" between 6 a.m. and noon Tuesday in the vicinity of Cajalco Road and La Sierra Avenue.
Anyone with questions or concerns was asked to contact the county fire public information bureau at 951-940-6985.

A Riverside County Fire Department training exercise scheduled for Tuesday just south of Lake Mathews will involve the burning of excess vegetation.

According to the fire department, crews are slated to conduct the "training burn" between 6 a.m. and noon Tuesday in the vicinity of Cajalco Road and La Sierra Avenue.

"A total of five acres of grassland will be burned,'' according to an agency statement. "Smoke will be visible from nearby communities but will disperse quickly and is not expected to be a health hazard."

Officials said the aim of the exercise is to reduce overgrowth while providing firefighters an opportunity to enhance their skills in preparation for wildland fires.

Wildfire season officially starts next month.

Crews will monitor weather conditions Tuesday and suspend operations if winds pick up.