See Smoke Near Temecula? Here's What's Happening

TEMECULA, CA — A large plume of smoke rising from Palomar Mountain south of Temecula caught residents' attention midday Thursday, but the U.S. Forest Service confirmed it is from a planned prescribed burn.

Firefighters and fuel crews are conducting the burn near High Point Lookout in the Palomar Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest, according to a Forest Service spokesperson.

"The prescribed fire is burning in the High Point Lookout area, and support staff are on site," the spokesperson said.

Smoke from the operation is visible along Highways 79 and 76, officials said.

The Forest Service said residents do not need to report smoke associated with the prescribed burn.