Public comment period for Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base Replacement Project EIR.

WHAT IS BEING PLANNED?PUBLIC NOTICENotice of Availability of a Draft Focused Environmental Impact ReportThe California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is proposing to replace the existing Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base (HRAAB) facilities with a new, modern HRAAB facility that would allow the base to continue to provide high- quality fire protection and emergency response services. The Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base Replacement Project (Project) would result in improved fueling operations; improved flight capability and improved response time by updating aircraft and aircraft pads and ancillary features; and replacing administrative and support uses. The Project would be developed on approximately 15.25 acres in the south-central portion of Hemet-Ryan airport, portions of which are currently operating as a helitack base. The Project includes: a two-story air operations building with a control room; landing pads and retardant loading pits; a 32-bed barracks/mess hall; a combination helicopter/OV-10 hangar; two aircraft storage canopies; a helicopter training tower with a hoist system for repelling training; a fire retardant mixing station; a vehicle storage building; and a generator yard/electrical building. Site work would consist of the relocation of an existing Riverside County Sheriff Department (RCSD) helipad, and demolition of existing barracks, pilot's building, office, Quonset hut, tanks, gas shed, canopies, maintenance and storage buildings; the replacement of existing structures with new facilities; the relocation of the existing control tower; and the installation of sewer connections, fencing, paving, landscaping, associated utilities, appurtenances, and other related site work. The facility lease would be extended to 50 years. WHY THIS AD?CAL FIRE has studied the effects that this project may have on the environment. Project-specific studies indicate the Project will not significantly affect the quality of the environment except for impacts associated with a historical resource (as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA]). Therefore, CAL FIRE has prepared this Focused Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to analyze and disclose the Project's impacts to historical resources. This notice is to inform you of the availability of the Focused EIR for review and comment.WHAT'S AVAILABLE?The Draft Focused EIR is available for review in an electronic format at the following locations: CEQAnet Portal: https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/ (Search Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base).CAL FIRE website:https://calfire.app.box.com/s/6uzjbg146cfn018h1jw98871hp740x7t/folder/238725157425PUBLIC COMMENTDo you have any comments on the Focused EIR? Would you care to make any other comments on the Project? Please submit your comments in writing no later than 5:00 PM on June 8, 2026 to:Department of General ServicesATTN: Stephanie Coleman, Senior Environmental Planner107 3rd Street, 4th FloorWest Sacramento, California 95605(916) 376-1602Or by email to: environmental@dgs.ca.gov. If you submit electronic comments, please put "Hemet-Ryan Air Attack Base Replacement Project” in the subject line.CONTACTFor more information about the IS contact:Stephanie Coleman, Senior Environmental PlannerDepartment of General Services107 3rd Street, 4th FloorWest Sacramento, California 95605(916) 376-1602The Press-EnterprisePublished: 4/24/26