Ramona Air Attack Base Works the Border Fire

Ray Chaney, battalion chief at CalFire's Ramona Air Attack Base, was back in the air near the U.S./Mexico border Wednesday morning to take a look at the fire that was contained on the U.S. side late yesterday.

"It was a challenging day yesterday," Chaney told Ramona Patch, as he arrived back at the base at about 10 a.m.

The fire consumed 75 acres on the U.S. side and 300 acres on the Mexican side before CalFire deemed it contained late Tuesday.

Chaney said CalFire is "cautiously optimistic" and that the area was "looking pretty good" as of this morning but that winds are expected to pick up Wednesday afternoon.

"That's when we'll know how this fire is really going to behave," he said.

The remote area meant ground crews had to be flown in on Tuesday, he said.

Sheriff's ASTREA helicopters out of Gillespie Field were staffed with CalFire people Tuesday. Another helicopter was sent in by San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, and CalFire in Riverside also sent one, Chaney said.

Ramona Air Attack Base is now operating in what is called peak fire season, which lasts June through November, although CalFire reminds residents that California is always in fire season.

The U.S. Forest Service helicopter stationed at Ramona Airport is currently out of state, Chaney said, working on a fire, since it's considered a national asset.