The Fire Blanket is a fire shelter developed by Phoenix-based SunSeeker Enterprises in response to the tragic death of 19 firefighters during a wildfire near Yarnell, Arizona. The fact that their deaths occurred even though they had set up fireproof shelters spurred SunSeeker to come up with a better solution.
The Fire Blanket is made from ceramic fiber coated in a special spray, and weighs less than 7 pounds. It can withstand temperatures up to 1,648 degrees Centigrade -- many existing shelters can't take more than 260 degrees, even though the average forest fire temperature is 1,315 degrees.
The Fire Blanket can be stored in a backpack while the firefighter does his job. It can be deployed from the backpack like a wing-suit and drawn around the body.
Sunseeker Enterprises is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for production of the Fire Blanket. A pledge of $499 will get you a Fire Cloak -- a domestic version of the Fire Blanket -- if and when the campaign hits its fundraising target.
Wearable Firefighting Shelters
The Fire Blanket Protects Firefighters Tackling Forest Fires
Trend Themes
1. Firefighting Safety Technology - The development of the Fire Blanket highlights the trend of innovative technologies aimed at improving firefighter safety during forest fires.
2. Advanced Protective Gear - The use of ceramic fiber coatings and lightweight materials in the Fire Blanket showcases the trend of advanced protective gear being developed for firefighters.
3. Temperature Resistance Enhancement - The Fire Blanket's ability to withstand much higher temperatures compared to existing shelters signifies the trend of enhancing temperature resistance capabilities in firefighting equipment.
Industry Implications
1. Firefighting Equipment Manufacturing - The development of the Fire Blanket presents an opportunity for the firefighting equipment manufacturing industry to explore new designs and materials for improved firefighter safety.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - The use of advanced materials and technology in the Fire Blanket suggests the PPE industry can innovate by incorporating lightweight and temperature-resistant materials into their product offerings.
3. Crowdfunding Platforms - The Indiegogo campaign for the Fire Blanket highlights the potential for crowdfunding platforms to support the development and production of innovative firefighting equipment.