The rebuilt Ramona Air Attack Base reopened Monday with nearly $20 million in upgrades aimed at improving aerial wildfire response across San Diego County, according to East County Magazine. The facility now houses a 4,000-gallon CAL FIRE C-130 Hercules air tanker, a night-capable S-70 CAL FIRE Hawk helicopter, two S-2 air tankers and an OV-10 Air Tactical aircraft.

The work replaced aging infrastructure at the 2498 Montecito Road base, including a modern retardant mixing plant, redesigned loading bays and expanded ramp space. Officials said the changes reduce turnaround time for aircraft and allow more tankers to stage during major wildfire incidents.

CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said at Monday's press conference that the base is a regional asset and that residents want crews to respond quickly when smoke is in the sky. East County Magazine also reported that the C-130 can carry more than three times the retardant capacity of CAL FIRE's traditional S-2 tankers.

The upgrades are especially relevant for Santee and inland East County communities as peak fire season approaches. Aircraft assigned to Ramona regularly respond around the county, including fires that threaten backcountry neighborhoods, major evacuation corridors and communities east of Santee.

Additional improvements are planned, including construction expected next year on barracks to support future 24-hour operations. East County Magazine reported that the Ramona base opened in 1957 as CAL FIRE's first aviation base.