Firefighters start controlled burns in San Bernardino National Forest

Firefighters have begun controlled burns in the San Bernardino National Forest, taking advantage of the recent rains and cool temperatures to eliminate brush and needles that can fuel catastrophic wildfires.

The controlled burns will target spots in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, including at Lawler Lodge north of Idyllwild, Keenwild Fire Station north of Mountain Center, and north of State Route 74 near Lake Hemet, the U.S. Forest Service announced this week. Other burns will be conducted at Yucaipa Ridge north of Oak Glen and along State Route 173 north of Grass Valley Road in Lake Arrowhead, among other locations.

Some of the controlled fires began Friday. Signs will be posted along the roads to alert passersby. The Forest Service said it would also send out occasional reminders to the public about smoke in the area.

“We appreciate the public’s tolerance of some smoke impacts in order to achieve the San Bernardino National Forest’s fire prevention and resource management goals,” the agency said in a statement. Such burns will reduce needles and vegetation that carry flames from the forest floor to treetops and stimulate the growth of grasses that feed deer and other wildlife, it said.

The burns will continue through the winter months as weather permits and could continue until springtime, according to the Idyllwild Ranger Station.

Fires have stoked particular concern this year after a rash of spring blazes. Worries about wildfires led the Forest Service to take the unusual step of closing Cucamonga Canyon -- a popular part of the San Bernardino National Forest -- throughout wildfire season this year.

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emily.alpert@latimes.com