Bates Fire Equipment

63 years of service in the community

In 1954, Moman Bates Sr. started a small business, Bates Fire Equipment, working from the basement of his home on his days off at the Hot Springs Fire Department.

He saw the potential of a good business and eventually acquired more clients and kept the business going, now in its 63rd year.

Moman Sr. and Doris Keefer married in 1970, and in 1972, she left her job as bookkeeper in the automotive department at Kmart to assist her husband in the business.

Moman and Doris later purchased the property and building at 1410 Malvern Ave., where it is still located, and expanded the inventory.

“We are distributors of Ansul Products, A-1 in firefighting supplies. We sell all sizes of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, cabinets, adapters, cam locks and more. We also sell restaurant automatic fire suppression systems and install them,” Doris said.

Bates Fire Equipment does hydro testing on all fire extinguishers, scuba tanks, air tanks and refills all brands of fire extinguishers, ABCs, dry chemical and CO2.

Moman Sr. passed away in 2003, and Doris and her son-in-law, Randy Rowland, still manage the business with the same expertise, prompt and personal service as Moman would have wanted.

Stop by 1410 Malvern Ave., for all fire extinguisher needs or call 6235640. The emergency after-hour number is 623-6009.

“To all our valued and loyal customers, we thank you for your business and hope to continue to serve you for many more years in the future,” she said.