Ready to take responsibility

FIRE Ready is a one-stop shop for bushfire preparation.
Owner Ambrose von Erkel said the Warranwood store’s concept developed from a real community need.
He said it had previously been difficult for individuals to source fire safety items for their homes and businesses.
“In many cases even if you can source quality products, many suppliers require large orders and/or commercial accounts to make purchases,” he said.
“They just didn’t cater for the individual’s needs.”
Mr von Erkel said the fire safety message was for individuals to be responsible for their own safety and property.
“Fire Ready has made this more effective by setting up shop in Warranwood and also by presenting its products online for the broader community,” he said.
Mr von Erkel opened the store last October.
He’s been involved with the CFA, worked as a consultant for the mining industry in OHS and spent years on his own rural property’s fire preparation plan.
“The Fire Ready idea was born some years ago when I was with the local CFA brigade,” he said.
“Having lived on rural acreage and closely connected to the surrounding community, I realised how difficult it was for ordinary people to source proper gear to prepare for bushfires.”
His family home was in the line of fire last February.
“The answer for me was being better prepared, obtaining the kind of knowledge and products that generally are acquired over a long time and delivering that to my community,” he said. “Even if you rarely or never have to face any fire situation, it helps build the peace of mind that makes a property a home.
“Even if your plan is to leave early, it is wise to have very basic gear on hand, such as goggles and a P2 mask so you can see and breathe.”
Mr von Erkel immersed himself in discussions with survivors and experts about fire behaviour and researched products and gear available to make a home safer in a bushfire situation.
“Our mission is to make the products and advice for protecting a family, business or school easily available,” he said.
Fire Ready is located at 1/1 Colman Road, Warranwood, and can be contacted on 9876 7677.