Our PARTNER IN Australia: Fire Protection TEchnologies (FPT)

Fire Protection Technologies (FPT) is our fire-fighting ally in Australia, New Zealand, and across parts of Asia, sharing our commitment to excellence, high quality, and customer-focused solutions. For over 25 years, the FPT team has been delivering top-notch fire protection where it matters most. Based in Melbourne, with offices throughout Australia, FPT takes care of everything—from consulting, design, and product selection to installation and training.

In a lively chat with John Fazekas, Product Manager - Foam Systems at Fire Protection Technologies, we got to know the man behind FPT’s FireDos foam firefighting expertise. John is responsible for the entire FireDos product range, including firefighting monitors and foam proportioners. With his knowledge of the Australian fire protection market and his relaxed Aussie charm, John kept us both informed and entertained—especially when sharing his dislike of the typical Australian Vegemite and his struggles with surfing!

John, thanks for taking the time to chat! Could you introduce yourself and Fire Protection Technologies for our readers?

Absolutely! I’m the Foam Product Manager at Fire Protection Technologies (or FPT as we call it) in Australia. I handle everything foam-related, from proportioners and firefighting monitors to foam concentrates, and we’ve partnered with FireDos for years. I’m based in Sydney, but our headquarters are in Melbourne, and I travel across Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia.

Sounds like a big region and a lot of traveling!

The biggest challenge isn’t the travel itself but managing the different time zones. There’s a three-hour difference across the countries I’m responsible for, which means my workday typically runs from 7 am to about 6 or 7 pm to stay available for all our customers.

That’s quite a commitment! Tell us a bit about yourself, please.

Well, I’ve been in the fire industry for over 21 years now! I started with installations and project management, then specialized in special hazards and, in the last seven years, in foam systems, especially fluorine-free options — no more AFFF (editor's note: Aqueous Film Forming Foam, fluorinated foam extinguishing agent) for us!
And on the personal side, I have a family: a wife, two kids, and a dog named Enzo, who behaves like he’s our third child. If we do a Teams meeting, you might hear him barking because he wants to join the conversation.

Enzo must be quite a character!
What’s unique about Australia’s fire protection market? You already mentioned AFFF; does the shift to fluorine-free foams impact the Australian market?

Here, it’s all about moving to high-viscosity, fluorine-free foam. It’s a big shift, for sure. Australia is moving quickly toward fluorine-free foams due to stricter environmental regulations. PFAS foams are pretty much out now, especially the C8 formulations, which are banned throughout Australia. It’s great to be part of this transition to eco-friendlier solutions. We’ve really leaned on FireDos, as their proportioning systems are ideal for this type of foam. Plus, testing is possible without actually producing foam, which is a win for the environment, too.

Interesting! It seems like FireDos aligns perfectly with these changes.

Yes, that's correct. For anything involving high-viscosity foam concentrate, FireDos proportioners are the premium choice. Testing, maintenance, and commissioning are excellent. They also operate within a wide flow range, which is crucial for proportioning. The ability to perform proportioning tests without producing a foam-water mix (premix) is a major advantage and results in significant cost savings for the end user.

Who are your main customers for foam firefighting technology?

Our main customer base includes fuel farms, aircraft hangars, waste facilities, and warehouses — anywhere that requires reliable fire protection in high-risk areas. FireDos monitors, for example, play a vital role in warehousing and waste facilities, especially when paired with infrared cameras for early fire detection.

Speaking of high-risk areas: With Australia’s frequent and devastating bushfire seasons, including the infamous ‘Black Summer’ fires of 2019-2020, fire protection is about more than just industry.

Bushfires are a massive issue here. The ‘Black Summer’ bushfire season was one of the most devastating Australia has ever seen — it happened over the Christmas break. Right now, we’re working with FireDos on bringing portable foam proportioner units, like the DZ1000 and the DZ1000 light, to help with wildfire efforts. These could be deployed by rural fire brigades and even private landowners.

We’d be excited to see our portable systems supporting bushfire efforts!

We’re actively working on getting a few demo units out there. Our goal is to collaborate with local fire departments and volunteers to really make a difference. The portability and effectiveness of FireDos systems, especially with the option to use wetting agent for enhanced fire suppression, make them perfect for the job.

How about FireDos products — what do you like about them in general?

FireDos’ technology is reliable, premium, top-tier. I’ve used FireDos proportioning systems in every capacity—from installing to sales—and they’ve got it all, especially for high-viscosity foam concentrates and eco-friendly solutions.

Glad to hear you're such a fan of FireDos. Now, bring a bit of Australia to us—any Aussie phrases we should know?

‘She’ll be right!’ That’s classic Aussie for ‘don’t worry, it’ll all work out’. And of course, ‘no worries’, which means, well, no worries!

Last question — if one of us ever makes it to Australia, what’s the ‘must-do’ experience?

Well, you’ve got to hit the beach, try a bit of surfing—or windsurfing if you’re brave. And if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a taste of Vegemite. I’m not a fan, but it’s part of the Aussie experience! And be sure to explore the bushland—just watch out for the wildlife!

Noted! We’ll work on our surfing and definitely check out the bush. 

Thanks, John, for sharing all these insights. Looking forward to many more years of working together to keep Australia safe!