San Diego County has added a new CAL FIRE Firehawk helicopter at Ramona Air Base, a move county officials say will strengthen wildfire response across the region, according to the County News Center.

The Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk went into service Monday and brings a 1,000-gallon water tank, hoist rescue equipment and space to move crews into remote areas. County officials said the aircraft can support wildfire suppression, rescues and other emergency missions.

County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said wildfire readiness has been a top public safety priority and called the locally based aircraft a faster, more capable tool for protecting families, homes and communities. CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire Chief Tony Mecham said the helicopter ends nearly 50 years of intermittent state helicopter coverage in San Diego.

For Santee and East County residents, the key impact is proximity. Ramona Air Base is a major inland firefighting hub, and a permanent Firehawk gives crews another high-capacity option when fires break out in the backcountry, along evacuation corridors or near the wildland edges that surround many East County communities.

County Fire Director Jeff Collins said crews have trained for months to bring the aircraft into service, with additional helicopter and hoist rescue training continuing. Officials said night operations training is also underway and will take additional time.

Source: County News Center — https://www.countynewscenter.com/new-firehawk-helicopter-now-stationed-at-ramona-air-base/