Firefighters carry out prescribed burn in Angeles National Forest near Wrightwood

A plume of smoke could be seen from the High Desert Tuesday as firefighters performed a controlled burn in the Angeles National Forest west of Wrightwood.

The prescribed fire was set in the forest near Big Pines, West of Wrightwood, according to U.S. Forest Service officials. Occasional fires are necessary to keep forestlands healthy and sustainable, according to the Forest Service.

"Over the past 100 years, humans have altered this natural vegetation management tool by suppressing wildfires because of values such as homes, great landscape views, and water sources," the agency said in a written statement. (The Angeles National Forest) is reintroducing fire back into many of these ecosystems as a management tool to accomplish numerous objectives."

Prescribed burns reduce the accumulation of hazardous fuels, such as old and dense vegetation, helping to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the future, officials said.

"In turn, this action minimizes the risk to firefighter and public safety," the statement added. "Additional benefits include improved wildlife habitat and long-term sustainability of healthier ecosystems and the services they provide."

The rising smoke apparently prompted at least a few commuters on the 15 Freeway to report a brush fire, according to California Highway Patrol logs.

While smoke from planned burns can often be seen for many miles around, officials work to stay in compliance with air quality regulations, officials said.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Firefighters carry out prescribed burn near Wrightwood