Fireproof collective shelter: the last line of defense for wildland firefighters
In extreme wildfire scenarios, where flames can surround crews in a matter of seconds, survival depends on having effective and certified self-protection solutions. The FS2 fireproof collective shelter for firefighters from ISK Fire Survival has been designed to become that last line of defense, providing a safe space in entrapment situations.
What is a fireproof collective shelter for firefighters?
A fireproof collective shelter is a portable structure that protects wildland firefighters from radiant and convective heat generated by high-intensity flame fronts. It acts as a temporary shield, creating a survival zone in the middle of the fire, buying time for the flames to pass and for personnel to be rescued.
The FS2 model is available in two versions:
- FS2.4, with capacity for 4 people.
- FS2.6, with capacity for 6 people.
Both stand out for their quick deployment, durability, and integrated breathable air supply system.
Technical features
The shelter is made of four-layer fireproof fabrics certified under international standards UNE EN ISO 11612 and EN 469/A1, ensuring maximum resistance to extreme temperatures. Its outer layers provide protection against radiant heat, while the inner layers reinforce thermal insulation.
Key features include:
- Protection against flame fronts up to 10.5 m wide and with a maximum power of 80 MW.
- Resistance to radiant and convective heat with wind speeds up to 20 km/h.
- Inflation in 15 seconds thanks to its pneumatic structural system.
- Breathable air system with certified cylinders, double-stage regulator, and reservoir masks, providing between 12 and 15 minutes of autonomous oxygen depending on shelter capacity.
- Fireproof viewing window made of polycarbonate with a gold film, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1290 ºC.
- Autonomous interior lighting, using chemical lights and LEDs, with up to 12 hours of autonomy.
These specifications make it a unique tool worldwide for entrapment scenarios in wildfires.
Advantages of the fireproof collective shelter
The main advantage is that it increases the chances of survival in critical situations where no escape routes exist. Unlike individual shelters, the collective shelter protects an entire group of firefighters, improving morale, coordination, and safety inside. Additionally:
- It is lightweight and portable, weighing between 12 and 15 kg depending on the model.
- It includes grip and positioning handles to ease deployment in hostile terrain.
- It complies with European safety regulations for work equipment.
Fireproof collective shelter: an investment in survival
The rise of high-intensity wildfires due to climate change forces wildland firefighting crews to rely on advanced self-protection equipment. The ISK FS2 fireproof collective shelter not only meets this need, but has also been validated with international certifications and tested in real conditions.
In simple words: when everything else fails and the fire leaves no escape routes, the fireproof collective shelter is the difference between life and death.
