Tell us about the business.
Fire Response is a trusted supplier of high-quality firefighting equipment to Australia’s Emergency Services, Defence, mining, and industrial sectors. We specialise in matching the best performing products to the specific needs of our clients, ensuring maximum safety, reliability, and efficiency in critical situations. With a deep understanding of industry requirements, we provide tailored solutions that enhance fire protection and emergency response capabilities.
How long have you been doing business?
Fire Response has been proudly serving industries across Australia since 2016. Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation for our expertise, customer service, and commitment to supplying the most effective firefighting solutions available.
How many people work for the business?
We have a dedicated team of seven – small but highly experienced and efficient. Every team member plays a crucial role in ensuring our clients receive top-tier service and equipment that meets their operational needs.
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
Our fast-paced environment sees us handling a constant flow of quotes, orders, and deliveries while managing stock and quality control. The day typically begins with processing emails and client requests, followed by coordinating shipments and liaising with suppliers.
Meanwhile, our warehouse is a hive of activity, ensuring products are received, checked, and dispatched efficiently. Additionally, our Director, Nick, is often on-site at mining operations, working closely with teams to improve the performance of their washdown and water cart setups, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards and maximizing efficiency.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
Global supply chain disruptions, particularly shipping delays from Europe and the USA, are a major challenge. Market confidence also plays a role in spending decisions, which can affect investment in firefighting equipment.
An ongoing challenge is industry education – ensuring mining operations regularly inspect and maintain their firefighting equipment to meet safety standards and site conditions. A critical area that often goes overlooked is foam proportioning. We frequently ask our clients: When was the last time you checked your foam? Proper testing and maintenance can be the difference between an effective emergency response and a catastrophic failure.
What are the biggest opportunities for your business right now?
We’re excited to be the new Australian distributor for One Seven Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS). This cutting-edge technology offers significant advantages for both underground and surface mining operations, improving fire suppression efficiency while reducing water usage.
Additionally, we continue to drive improvements in washpad performance testing, ensuring our clients achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness. Fine-tuning these systems helps clients reduce waste, optimise water usage, and enhance overall safety.
What is the business most proud of?
Our reputation for delivering on our promises is something we take immense pride in. The impact we’ve made on safety, efficiency, and cost savings across multiple mine sites – through our work in cannon, foam, and hydraulics testing – is a testament to our expertise and commitment.
We’re also proud to have been invited to present at mining mechanical engineering forums, sharing our knowledge and contributing to industry wide advancements.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
We are proud supporters of the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Their dedication, skill, and bravery are unmatched, and over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with many incredible individuals within the RFS.
Any employees that deserve a shout out?
It’s impossible to single out just one person – every member of our team plays a crucial role in our success. We may be small, but we’re a powerhouse, consistently delivering above and beyond expectations.