FIRE SHELTERS

• Fire Shelter Deployments:
  Stories and Common Insights
• Fire Shelter and Personal Protective Equipment Reports
• Publications
• Training
• NFES Cache Memos
• Additional Online Resources

Fire Shelter Project Review
The USDA Forest Service National Technology and Development Program is tasked with reviewing the Fire Shelter Project.

Project Update October 2016

Fire Shelter Project Review FAQ

Fire Shelter Transition

As of January 1, 2010, all agencies, cooperators and contracted resources are to carry the new generation (M-2002) fire shelter.

National Fire and Aviation Executive Board Memorandum

Fire Shelter Survey
Part of the project review is to gather input from current firefighters about various aspects of the fire shelter and its use. This survey includes questions about your usual fireline position, fireline pack weight, type of crew, and organization or agency. Some questions are about the requirement of, and firefighter behavior associated with carrying a fire shelter. Questions on what you want in a possible future fire shelter and use policy are also included.

The NWCG Fire Shelter Subcommittee and Fire and Aviation Management will consider your responses regarding the future of fire shelters and fire shelter policy. The survey will only accept one response per computer internet protocol (IP) address and will remain open until June 28, 2014. Your answers will be kept confidential.

Survey results.

Search for Fire Shelter materials
Another part of the project review is to conduct market research to identify materials, laminates (material layers glued together), or components that may have a possible use in the wildland firefighter personal fire shelter.  Refer to the Request For Information at Federal Business Opportunity (FedBizOpps) for additional information on how to submit materials.

Request For Information at FedBizOpps

Fire Shelter Material Test Protocol

New Generation Fire Shelters

The new generation fire shelter offers improved protection from radiant and convective heat. All federal, state, and local wildland firefighters carry the fire shelter while working federal fires. As always, the fire shelter is the last line of defense when facing a fire entrapment, escape is always the highest priority.  Fire shelters will not guarantee a firefighter's survival in an entrapment situation. Firefighters should do everything they can to avoid situations where they need to deploy a fire shelter.

Wildland firefighters need to attend a training session in the proper use of the new shelter before working in a fire area.