A planned prescribed burn is sending a column of smoke over the Jeff Valley area of the Palomar Ranger District today, and officials are stressing that it is all part of the plan. The controlled fire is expected to produce a visible plume that drivers along Highway 76 and Highway 79 will likely notice, but authorities say residents should not call 911 to report it.
Where Smoke May Be Visible And What Officials Say
In a post on X, Cleveland NF said firefighters and fuel crews would be working in the Jeff Valley unit on a prescribed burn and warned that "smoke may be visible from HWY 76 and 79." The agency asked the public not to report smoke from this operation to 911 and directed people to air-quality resources for updates on conditions.
Today, Firefighters and fuel crews will be conducting a prescribed burn in the Jeff Valley area on the Palomar Ranger District. Smoke may be visible from HWY 76 and 79. Please do not report smoke in these areas.
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) April 8, 2026
For more information on air quality, please visit AirNow .gov pic.twitter.com/BPD375oJho
Why Crews Are Burning And Recent Activity
According to the Cleveland National Forest, prescribed fires are a tool used to reduce hazardous fuels and help protect nearby communities. The agency lists Jeff Valley as one of the treatment areas in the Palomar Ranger District and notes that crews post road signs and notify emergency managers when burns are underway. Incident information on InciWeb and coverage by Village News describe earlier pile and broadcast burns that have already taken place in the Jeff Valley area.
Health And Safety Tips
Smoke from prescribed burns can still be a problem for people with asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions. Check current air quality and recommended precautions on AirNow, and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes heavy where you are. Drivers who encounter reduced visibility should slow down, switch on headlights and avoid stopping in traffic lanes until the plume clears. For questions about scheduled burns on Palomar Mountain, contact the Palomar Ranger District.
