CONTROLLED BURN IN YUCCA VALLEY THIS MORNING

The County Fire Department will clear out overgrown brush at the Hi-Desert Water District’s recharge ponds in Yucca Valley through a controlled burn exercise Friday morning. Starting at 9 a.m., county firefighters will participate in the training drill to clear debris at the pond that may disrupt the water recharge process. Imported water from the State Water Project percolates into the ground at the pond sites to recharge groundwater supplies. If you see smoke and aren’t sure whether it’s coming from the recharge pond on Sunnyslope Drive and Pioneertown Road, call 911.