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Russ Porteous - CEO, Firewize

Russ is the CEO of Firewize with over 30 years of broad industry experience Russ is sought after for his technical abilities, on subjects including fire safety, reducing false alarms and the built environment.

Contact
Title: CEO, Firewize
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Professional Summary
Scan the QR Code for the Business Card for Russ Porteous

Russ Porteous is the founder and CEO of Firewize an innovative fire safety design, installation and maintenance consultancy located in Melbourne, Australia.

With over 30 years of broad industry experience and an avid geek Russ has successfully blended the two to grow and leverage his business investments to cover trade and building services, property investment, e-commerce, online learning and software development.

Capitalizing on his knowledge and understanding of technology, Russ has developed a customer lead generating pipeline that operates without him, generating hundreds of qualified leads per (mostly based on work he did over 9 years ago).

Russ works with his wife of 25+ years and high-school sweetheart alongside his highly capable son who both help oversee their family business interests. In his spare time, Russ is found working with guys in his local community to help them find purpose and connection.

Experience & Recognition

In 2019, Russ was recognised for his 30+ years of industry experience by his peers within the fire protection industry, receiving the prestigious “Meritorious Service Award”.

FPA Australia, Meritorious Service Award 2018 - Russ Porteous
  • 2023- Elected Director, Fire Protection Association Australia (3rd term)
  • 2019-2022 Elected Director, Fire Protection Association Australia (2nd term)
  • 2018+ Member of Standards Australia Committee LG007, Emergency Escape Lighting in Buildings
  • 2017 - FPA Australia, Finalist - Fire Protection Project of the Year
  • 2009-2012 - Member of Standards Australia Committee FP001, Routine Servicing of Fire Protection Systems & Equipment
  • 2009-2012 Elected Director, Fire Protection Association Australia (1st term)
  • 2006+ Founder of the Special Interest Group (SIG) for the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment within Fire Protection Association Australia. This group later became the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-001) for the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
  • 2012 - Presenter at Fire Australia - Environmental Cost of Maintenance
  • 2010 - Presenter at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria - Legislative Requirements of Maintenance
  • 2010 - Presenter at the Aged Care Association - Essential Safety Measures Compliance in Healthcare Facilities
Latest Articles
  1. Foam Fire Extinguisher
    In Australia, a foam fire extinguisher marked with a horizontal blue band is ideal for suppressing fires involving flammable liquids and solids. The extinguisher releases foam that blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling the fuel. This dual action effectively prevents the fire from spreading and reduces the likelihood of re-ignition.
  2. Wet Chemical (Kitchen) Fire Extinguisher
    In Australia, a wet chemical fire extinguisher with a horizontal oatmeal-coloured band is the optimal choice for kitchen fat or oil fires. A wet chemical fire extinguisher when used releases a mist of potassium salts that reacts with the burning oil or fat, forming a film over the fire. This film not only cools but also stabilises the temperature of the fats, significantly reducing the risk of reignition.
  3. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
    The CO2 fire extinguisher, distinguished by its red body with a black band, is primarily effective against Class B (flammable liquids) and Class E (electrical equipment) fires. This article delves into its optimal selection and application, highlighting its specific use cases.
  4. Air-Water Fire Extinguisher
    An Air-Water portable fire extinguisher are effective for all Class A fires that include wood, paper, textiles & plastics. The extinguisher is a solid red in colour and comes with 9 litres of water and uses compressed air as a propellant. Air-water fire extinguishers come with a hose and a wall mounting bracket.
  5. What is the best fire extinguisher for Laser Cutting & Engraving in Australia?
    Is your laser cutter and engraver a fire risk? If you go online, the answer is yes (but it depends). In this article we look at why a laser cutter and engraver is a risk and what precautions you can take to mitigate or even better eliminate the risk from fire.