Starting Fire Fighter Business

An excellent business opportunity in any African country remains the fire service business. Fires occur daily in every country to some degree and what better way to take an opportunity of this risk than establishing a fire service business aimed at fire protection and safety. A unique element of this business choice is fire that can happen to anyone at any time so the target market is not limited. Awareness increases daily on the need for fire prevention measures.

The use of fire service is relevant to both business owners and homes as long as a property is involved. Here is a comprehensive guide to establishing a successful fire service business.

Market Analysis:

It is important to consider likely business competitors and understand their strategy. A survey of the business location should also be carried out to determine potential customers in the area. A successful market analysis will come in very handy in the next step. It is also relevant to ensure that the proposed state does not have regulations against the private ownership of the business in the fire service industry to avoid nationalization.

Business Plan:

As with other forms of businesses, a business plan is important to give structure to the planning and organization. The business plan should be designed with the aim of setting the business apart from other competitors. It should contain the financial cost of the business, management structure as well as profit margins and turnover points. The vision and mission of the business in being committed to the prevention of fire and general fire safety should be clearly stated.

Registration, Certification, and Incorporation:

African countries require registration of the business with specific relevant bodies regulating the fire protection industry. For example, South Africa has the ‘South African Qualification and Certification Committee for the fire industry (SAQCC). This body certifies fire businesses that meet the qualification requirements and also provides fire training.

Most countries will further require you to incorporate a company for effective monitoring and filing of annual returns. The fire business should be incorporated with the appropriate authorities.

Location:

A successful fire service business requires strategic positioning in an area with a lot of commercial and residential buildings.  A suitable location can be accessed with the help of a real estate agent in that particular country. The location should be easily accessible and be free of traffic and congestion for easy ingress and exit in case of any emergency.

Operation:

The emergency nature of fires could lead to certain uncertainties in the fire service business except there are creative ways fashioned out to ensure profit-making and sustainability. Most African countries have regulations to ensure those fire extinguishers are provided for in particular buildings and facilities. These fire extinguishers are legally required by such regulations to be maintained and recharged at regular intervals. A great idea for any fire service business is to offer supplementary services like the sale of fire protection equipment and recharging of fire extinguishers. Monitoring the needed fire extinguisher recharge of clients is another brilliant way of ensuring business continuity. Also, providing for quality fire alarm systems could be an added service by the fire service business to ensure market leadership.

Personnel:

The fire service business would be incomplete without trained, competent and dedicated firefighters willing to risk their lives to ensure the safety of others. Personnel should undergo compulsory training in the form of fire drills and emergency procedure. Staff needed in any fire service business includes Firefighters, customer care representative, office manager, a driver for the service vehicle and accountant.

Equipment:

A fire service business requires equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, aerial ladders, fireproof clothing and helmets, fire hose, extrication gloves, dry powders, fire hydrant, fire pump, and other firefighting apparatus. A fire vehicle will also be required for responding to emergencies. Quality of fire equipment is emphasized to ensure the safety of victims and service staff. Equipment should be purchased from a registered supplier after careful consideration of pricing and durability of the product.

Marketing and Advertising:

Effective ways to carry out marketing and advertising should be contained in the business plan. The target market of any fire service business is usually wide and extensive. This means that whatever marketing strategy is adopted should be aggressive enough for wide coverage in that state. Knowledge of the local codes for fire prevention and protection would increase the acceptance rate of the pitch of the fire service business. Advertisement can be done with flyers, billboard or adverts aimed at informing the public of the unique service of the fire business. The fire service should have a unique, quality website with great quality content for raising awareness on fire safety procedures.

No pain, no gain. The fire service business is an important reminder of this principle. It remains an industry with unique potential for profit-making and revenue generation in most African countries. A fire service business is a vibrant economic opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to save lives and make money doing it.

Initial Capital Outlay: 

The initial cost of starting a private firefighter business is relatively in the middle to upper ranges. Startup costs for private firefighter entrepreneurship are the same as for any startup business in Africa. ($50,000 – $120,000).