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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. What does "compliant" mean in respect to fire safety?
    Often a manufacturer of fire safety systems and equipment reference Australian Standards and declare their products as "compliant," what does that really mean? The term "compliant" is more than just a label—it signifies adherence to specific performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  2. Ampac FireFinder Plus
    The Ampac FireFinder Plus is designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s buildings, making it the ideal choice for environments such as nursing homes, office buildings, residential apartment complexes, and industrial facilities. If you’re replacing an older Ampac FireFinder panel, the FireFinder Plus offers a seamless upgrade path.
  3. Best Event Fire Extinguisher in Victoria: Essential Strategies for LPG Gas Fire Management
    This article guides event organisers, exhibitors, and food vendors, including caterers, relocatable kitchens and food trucks (mobile catering vehicles), on the selection, installation, and use of portable fire extinguishers at events in Victoria. It offers practical advice for indoor and outdoor structures, addressing fire risks from LPG and cooking appliances to protect workers, attendees, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
  4. Fire Systems Installation
    Showcasing Firewize experience and knowledge in installing, altering, and extending fire safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, extinguishers, and doors. We are specialists focusing on compliance with Australian Standards, tailored solutions for commercial buildings, and a streamlined process for reliable, high-quality results.
  5. Annual Essential Safety Measure Reports in Class 2 Apartment Buildings
    Part 15 of an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) covers Class 1b, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building; and Class 4 part of a building; and a place of public entertainment. The AESMR is for the does not apply to a smoke alarm installed in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 1b or 2 building or a Class 4 part of a building.