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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. Class 1 Homes: Deadlock Danger
    This article explores the safety gap between NCC Volume 1 and 2, warning that while double-sided deadlocks are legal in Class 1 homes (dwellings), however they may pose a life-threatening trap by preventing safe keyless exit/egress during an emergency.
  2. Deck the halls? Read this before you hang that tinsel!
    Christmas decorations bring cheer, but hanging them on fire sprinklers risks catastrophic flooding and safety system failure. Never hang items from sprinkler heads or pipes, keep them clear for safety.
  3. Smoke Alarm & Detection Systems for Class 2 Buildings
    This article explores smoke alarm and detection systems in Class 2 buildings, using a real case to highlight compliance options under NCC Specification 20 and the differences between smoke alarm, detection, and combination systems.
  4. Essential Safety Measures List
    The ultimate checklist to identify and manage the Essential Safety Measures in your building in Victoria, as required under Part 15 of the Building Regulations 2018, to ensure compliance and maintain safety for occupants and visitors.
  5. NSW Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025
    The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Act 2025 (NSW) imposes new environmental obligations on all products supplied in NSW, including fire protection equipment. Brand owners must implement stewardship plans, report annually, and support circular economy principles. Fire industry professionals must adapt practices to meet these requirements and support sustainable compliance.