Fireproof shelter

[Toddy]

I know that forest fighting firecrews carry emergency shelters that can be erected in a hurry to protect them from flashovers and the like.

What are these shelters called? Are they available in the UK? Has anyone here used them? What is the fabric made from?

Thanks

cheers,
Toddy

 

[brasst]

i once saw on discovery channel american firefighters in forests using what appeared to be an aluminiumised space blanket that was big enough to cover 2 men in the prone position they have a hose leading from the tender which when under the blanket they used the water hose to cool the blanket and the air.

doesnt answer the question but may be of help

 

[chas brookes]

Hi Toddy

the type of shelter you are talking about is used by forest firefighters in the USA.
They are a last resort shelter which is basically a clam shell type construction of heat reflective coated material. I do not know what name they are marketed as but American firefighters refer to them as Shake and Bake Shelters, ie you have to shake them open and climb inside and lay as low as possible and hope most the heat and flames pass above.
They are not a 100% life saving device as the firefighters are still likely to suffer burns and they are only likely to have the air they trap in the shelter with them to breathe whilst the fire passes.
If you click on attached link you will read the sad story of some firefighters who had to use their shelters and did not survive.
http://www.heatisonline.org/contentserver/objecthandlers/index.cfm?id=3745&method=full
I hope this info is of use

Chas

 

[Toddy]

Thanks Chas, those are the things I'm looking for.
I'm wondering about material for a fisherman's shelter type thing, really lightweight and waterproof, but safe enough to light a fire under/ close to.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[chas brookes]

Hi Toddy

The problem you will have is most of the heat reflective material readily available ie emergency blankets etc are highly flammable. Anything that has any form of nomex fire proof material or kevlar backing are likely to be very expensive.
I use one of the open fronted type fisherman shelters at archery comps and they would not take to kindly to stray sparks from open fires. I have used small gas stoves carefully positioned, but I do not think this is what you had in mind. If you adapted one with some proofed cotton it might not be as flammable, but would certainly weigh more. At the summer Bushmoot, the aluminium foil type material was being discussed a lot by Mors, and its possible use in emergency shelters for civil emergencies, mainly as a roof material to reflect heat back into the shelter. The only problem I could see in a small shelter with a fire in front of you, you might end up too warm, and feel like a xmas turkey.

Chas

 

[gregorach]

I'm wondering about material for a fisherman's shelter type thing, really lightweight and waterproof, but safe enough to light a fire under/ close to.

Cheers,
Toddy

That's a pretty tall order... Oiled silk maybe? Dunno what its burning properties are...

 

[Longleaf]

Uh, we call them fire shelters, thankfully I've not had a need for one. Although we are required to carry them when we are at a fireground.

We get ours from here
Forestry Suppliers

Fire shelter info

 

[Big John]

Thanks for the info Longleaf and welcome, good to have you aboard.