Ross Walker has spent 15 years as a CFA firefighter and almost as long chasing the perfect BBQ.

What started as backyard cookouts with fire brigade mates turned into Firehouse Barbecue, a competition barbecue team that's picked up a stack of wins on the Australian and US circuits, including Reserve Grand Champion at Meatstock Melbourne and BBQ @ The Bend (twice!).

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That obsession with fire, smoke and getting it right has since grown into a full stable of projects:

 

Middle Kingdom Rubs, a spice rub range built for home cooks

 

Smoke School, hands-on BBQ classes that teach the techniques behind american style low 'n' slow barbecue

 

Turnout Merch, gear made for the emergency services community.

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Ross lives by a simple philosophy: Life's Too Short, too short for bad barbecue, and too short not to share what you love with the people around you.

 

Based in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, he's currently juggling his world with his wife Cara and their two kids, usually with something smoking in the background.