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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Quotes

Why doesn’t Fire Response list prices online?

Our product range includes equipment sourced from international manufacturers, which means pricing is subject to exchange rate movements and supplier conditions. Rather than publish prices that may be outdated by the time you see them, we provide fast, accurate quotes tailored to your specific requirements. Use the Add to Quote button on any product page or contact our team directly.

Can I purchase products directly through the website?

We don’t process transactions online. Fire Response operates on a quote-based model. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll provide pricing and availability. This allows us to confirm the right product configuration for your application before any order is placed.

Who does Fire Response supply to?

We supply firefighting and emergency response equipment to fire authorities, emergency services, mining and resource operations, oil and gas facilities, industrial operators, and defense-related organisations across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. We also supply to independent operators and smaller organisations where our equipment is operationally appropriate.

Do you deliver outside Australia?

Yes. Fire Response supplies across the Oceania region, including Papua New Guinea and Fiji. For international enquiries, contact us at firemail@fireresponse.com.au.

How do I return a product?

Contact our customer service team directly to discuss your situation. Returns are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the product, condition, and circumstances. You can contact us here or email firemail@fireresponse.com.au.

Firefighting Foams & PFAS

What is the issue with PFAS in firefighting foams?

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals historically used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). They are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally and have been found to accumulate in human tissue and waterways. Contamination near Australian Defence Force bases where AFFF was used in training has affected local water sources used for drinking, agriculture, and recreation. Several Australian states have moved to restrict or ban PFAS-containing foams, and further regulatory change is expected.

Does Fire Response supply fluorine-free firefighting foam?

Yes. Fire Response is the authorised Australian distributor for VS Focum firefighting foams, which include high-performance fluorine-free (PFAS-free) formulations. VS Focum foams are designed to match or exceed the fire suppression performance of traditional AFFF while eliminating PFAS chemistry. They are available in highly concentrated formats for easier storage and transport, and carry an extended shelf life.

What applications are VS Focum foams suited to?

VS Focum foams are suitable for industrial, petrochemical, aviation, and emergency service applications. If you’re transitioning away from PFAS-containing foam or assessing options for a new suppression system, contact our team to discuss the right formulation for your hazard environment.

Fire Classifications

What are the Australian fire classifications?

Australian Standard AS 1850 classifies fires based on the fuel involved:

  • Class A — Carbon-based solids: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, plastics
  • Class B — Flammable and combustible liquids
  • Class C — Combustible gases
  • Class D — Combustible metals including potassium, sodium, and magnesium (specialist advice required)
  • Class E — Energised electrical equipment
  • Class F — Cooking oils and fats

The appropriate suppression agent and equipment depends on the fire class. Contact us if you need guidance on matching equipment to a specific hazard type.

Equipment & Technical

What does Intrinsically Safe mean?

Intrinsic Safety (IS) is an equipment design standard applied in hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours, or dust may be present — common in mining, oil and gas, and chemical processing environments. Intrinsically safe equipment is designed so that the energy available within the device is insufficient to cause ignition, even under fault conditions. This covers both spark prevention and temperature limits. Fire Response supplies intrinsically safe torches and lighting equipment from Streamlight, suited to these environments.

Is Fire Response an authorised distributor for its brands?

Yes. Fire Response holds authorised distributor status for a number of leading manufacturers, including Akron Brass, One Seven CAFS, FLIR Systems, and VS Focum, among others. Authorised distribution means customers receive genuine products, current technical documentation, and access to manufacturer warranty support.

What CAFS systems does Fire Response supply?

Fire Response is an authorised distributor for One Seven CAFS — German-engineered compressed air foam systems used in structural, wildland, and industrial firefighting. One Seven CAFS units are available for both surface vehicle and underground mining fleet applications. Contact us to discuss system specifications and suitability for your operation.

What thermal imaging cameras does Fire Response supply?

Fire Response is an authorised Australian distributor for FLIR Systems thermal imaging cameras, featuring models used by firefighters for structural fire attack, search and rescue, and hazmat operations. FLIR cameras in our range include the K-Series, designed specifically for firefighting environments.

What firefighting nozzles and monitors does Fire Response supply?

Fire Response is an authorised distributor for Akron Brass, AWG, and Protek — globally recognised manufacturers of firefighting nozzles, monitors, and flow control equipment. Our range covers handline nozzles, foam nozzles, master stream monitors, and related accessories. We also supply Dial-a-Jet nozzles, widely used by Australian fire services for rural and bushfire applications. Our range suits fire authority, industrial, and mining applications.

Testing Services

Does Fire Response offer equipment testing services?

Yes. Fire Response provides firefighting foam testing, hydraulic flow testing, and water cart calibration services — an offering recognised with multiple awards at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards for Excellence in Innovation.

Our testing services cover:

  • Foam concentrate analysis and performance verification
  • Hydraulics and flow equipment calibration and assessment
  • System compatibility checks across foam, proportioning, and delivery equipment
  • Mine site washpad assessment for water management and heavy vehicle wash-down performance

See our Hydraulics and Flow Testing and Foam Testing Service pages for full details.

What is the difference between your hydraulic testing and foam testing services?

These are two distinct services:

Our Onsite Hydraulics and Flow Testing service is conducted on-site. We assess your fire suppression system under real operating conditions — verifying flow rates, line pressure, foam proportioning accuracy, and overall system performance. We also undertake pre-commissioning testing for new systems. This service is suited to mining operations, industrial facilities, and organisations operating water cart fleets or fixed suppression infrastructure.

Our Foam Testing Service is a laboratory analysis service. You submit a foam concentrate sample, which is analysed at VS Focum’s accredited laboratory in Spain. Testing covers key physical-chemical properties plus a live fire test, with results returned within three working days of the lab receiving your sample, electronically signed by a qualified chemist.

Why does firefighting equipment need testing?

Even high-quality equipment can underperform if components are mismatched, foam concentrates have degraded, or hydraulic settings haven’t been calibrated for your specific system. Common issues include foam incompatibility with proportioning systems, unaccounted friction loss across equipment, and operator uncertainty around hydraulic operations. Testing identifies these gaps before they become a problem in an emergency.

Who is the testing service suited to?

Our testing services are used by mining operations, industrial facilities, and emergency response organisations that need confidence their firefighting systems will perform under real conditions. If you operate a water cart fleet, foam suppression system, or fire water infrastructure, contact us to discuss a testing assessment.

About Fire Response

Where is Fire Response based?

Fire Response is an Australian-owned business operating nationally, with supply capability across Australia, and select areas of Oceania. We are conveniently located in Gateshead, near Newcastle NSW. Click here for map

Does Fire Response install firefighting systems?

No. Fire Response specialises in equipment supply and product guidance. We do not undertake system design or installation. For system design and engineering, we can point you toward appropriate contacts depending on your application.