Cal Fire announced that local firefighters will burn pile on 5 acres east of Highway 243 across from Lawler Lodge during the week of Jan. 26.

Burning operations will typically begin after 7:30 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m.

This is part of a pre-fire plan to remove hazardous fuel-loading conditions within Dark Canyon and continue the fuel-modified zone extending south toward Pine Cove. This effort affords the fire department the ability to keep fires that might start along Highway 243 from moving into the surrounding communities.

Burning operations will occur only on permissive burn days as determined by the Air Quality Management District and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Cal Fire engines and Cal Fire Conservation Camp fire crews will be involved to manage the burns.

The Dark Canyon Fuel Reduction Project is one of several planned programs in Riverside County communities to mitigate hazards and educate the public in advance of a major wildfire.