BELL CANYON : Firefighters Plan Controlled Burn

Firefighters will conduct a controlled burn of vegetation in the Santa Monica Mountains today to thin out tinder-dry growth, officials said.

The burn will begin at 5 a.m. on 700 acres near Bell Canyon, fire officials said. Residents of Bell Canyon, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills, Las Virgenes Canyon and Liberty Canyon may notice smoke from the exercise, authorities said.

Fire officials expect most of the smoke to loft high over populated areas. The burn is needed to eliminate dry grass, officials said.

That particular area has not burned in over 10 years, officials said. The burn will be canceled if windy or other unfavorable weather conditions develop, fire authorities said.