During the week of March 12, Cal Fire will be conducting its annual air-tanker refresher training to the pilots assigned or currently working at Ryan Air Attack Base in Hemet.

This training is an annual requirement; typically held in Sacramento but due to current winter weather conditions and the fact that the base is open and operational, the training will be presented to Cal Fire pilots in Hemet.

Numerous air tankers will be flying in and out of the Hemet airport. The exercises also will fly over and maneuver low in the area of Poppet Flats and the North Mountain Truck Trail and the Diamond Valley area southeast of Hemet. The tankers will drop water for practice in these areas and the infield of the Hemet airport.

Cal Fire advises residents not to be alarmed at the low-flying aircraft, and may call the Hemet Ryan Air Attack Base with any questions at 951-652-2066.