How Amentum Fire Protection Personnel Safeguard Communities and Missions

Amentum’s mission to advance global safety includes a dedicated team of fire protection professionals who safeguard lives, property, and the environment. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) recently renewed its contract with Amentum to help the state respond to wildfires, underscoring the exceptional quality of Amentum’s work.

Although CAL FIRE is the company’s most high-profile fire services contract, it is only one of 23 agreements supported by 288 employees from Amentum’s Mission Solutions business group, who operate across the United States and globally.

James Evans had spent his 38-year-career in fire protection with the U.S. Air Force before joining Amentum in 2015. At Arnold Air Force Base, Evans oversees a team of 50 responders providing 24/7 safety for its 50,000-acre facility. His team’s mission emphasizes proactive fire prevention and following rigorous safety standards.

“Much of what we do is staying ahead of risks,” said Evans. “We ensure fire prevention measures meet the Department of War, Air Force, and National Fire Protection Association standards.”

Timothy Rutherford began his career at the Hawthorne Army Depot (HWAD) in Nevada in 1996 and now has 30 years of experience in fire protection at the world’s largest ammunition storage depot spanning 147,000 acres. The facility’s size and mission create unique challenges, demanding 24/7 readiness. The HWAD team protects life, property, and the surrounding community through all-risk emergency services.

“Our team works 365 days a year to uphold the safety and welfare of the depot and nearby communities,” Rutherford shared. “We’re committed to professionalism and maintaining trust with the military and civilians we serve.”

HWAD’s fire team operates two highly active fire stations to address risks such as wildfires and ordnance operations. The team uses advanced technology like dry pipe, wet pipe, pre-action, CO2, and high-speed deluge systems for fire suppression.

Beyond emergency response, the HWAD team emphasizes fire prevention:

• Inspecting and testing over 1,200 fire hydrants and 1,500 fire extinguishers annually.
• Conducting building inspections, pre-fire plans, fire drills, fire alarm and suppression testing.
• Providing ongoing fire education to the depot community.

“Fire prevention is about staying two steps ahead of risks,” Rutherford said. “We’re focused on preventing incidents before they occur.”

Every team member completes more than 120 hours of annual training in diverse skills like fire response, hazardous materials handling, EMS, rescue operations, and disaster readiness. Their work highlights Amentum’s commitment to the U.S. Army’s mission while protecting lives and property.

Building Community Trust

Amentum’s fire teams at Arnold Air Force Base and HWAD provide far-reaching mutual aid to surrounding communities during emergencies, ranging from wildland fires to large vehicle accidents. Rutherford noted, “We’re not just responders—we’re partners in building trust and enhancing safety for the communities we support.”

“We are proud to make a difference,” said Evans. “We ensure safety for everyone who relies on us, from military personnel to civilian communities.”

A Culture of Safety and Excellence

Amentum’s fire protection teams embody the company’s mission of safety and security. Through their expertise and dedication, they protect essential installations, prevent fires, and build resilient communities. “Our team is always ready,” Rutherford emphasized. “Whether it’s training for the unexpected, mitigating risks, or responding when it’s needed most, Amentum Fire Emergency Services is here to safeguard life, property, and the environment.”