Ramona has been underserved for emergency medical services for decades and receiving additional medical and fire protection services for its 40,000 people is a huge win for this area. Fire Station 80 in Ramona is one of three fire stations located in the heart of this unincorporated area. Ramona’s rural roots easily become a tourist destination, but during the summer season, brush fires become dangerous. There's also medical attention needed everyday, the only problem is for decades they’ve only had two fire engines and two ambulance vehicles - the nearest hospital being 30 minutes away in Poway. "We’ve long needed a third ambulance in Ramona, our closest hospital is in Poway or Escondido, so when we transport, the ambulance is gone for over an hour,” said San Diego County Fire Chief, Tony Mecham who adds that Ramona’s Municipal Water District has had a contract with Cal Fire for its fire protection and emergency medical services since 1993. However, funding to increase staffing and provide a third ambulance are lacking because the district uses discretionary funds to fill the gaps in providing fire and EMS services. With rising costs, San Diego County Fire is taking over responsibility and bringing additional services. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-county-fire-taking-over-responsibility-for-fire-and-ems-services-in-ramona/509-85e8f4a7-5c7a-4580-93a4-1bd5bf647b4b