To produce a wide range of fuel products on a 24 hour a day basis, Big West of California must always operate efficiently. It must also ensure safety, particularly for employees and contractors on the site. Included in those initiatives are a Health and Safety Committee, rescue teams, safety audits, and safety procedure review teams among others. A prime example of the refineries professional preparation is The Fire Brigade.

In addition to their normal duties, the 35 employees on the brigade are highly trained to respond to any fire situation. Part of that preparation includes regular training at the well-recognized Fire Science Academy at the University of Nevada in Reno. Brigade members must complete this training to be part of the team.

Beyond the annual training at this facility, brigade members conduct numerous drills throughout the year on the refinery site to make sure they are fully prepared.

Big West maintains two fire engines, numerous fire monitors, hydrants, and extinguishers as well as special fire fighting gear for the brigade members.

The Kern County Fire Department is the agency of first response to assist refinery personnel as needed. The county fire department participates in periodic practice exercises at the refineries Incident Command Center to ensure effective response. The Bakersfield City Fire Department is also prepared to respond if called upon.