The fingers of the flames crouch and leap, drawing ever closer. What happens when the firefighter is cornered and needs help from a raging fire?

A fire shelter is the firefighter’s last resort when all other means have failed and his life is in danger.

Concealed as a small pack clinging to the firefighter’s tool belt, the fire shelter is relatively inconspicuous. It folds up to a mere 8 ½ inch by 5 ½ inch boxy shape.

Once deployed, the 7 foot by 15 ½ inch unwrapped shelter resembles the cover of a Jiffy Pop container. Its shiny silver surface is crafted of aluminum foil, silica, and fiberglass. Designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat, and hold in breathable air as opposed to dangerous gasses, the fire shelter is the last resort as flames climb up and over the shelter, which acts as a cocoon, protecting the firefighter inside.

Firefighters are required to attend classes and become fully versed in the use of the tiny lifesavers. Most firefighters spend an entire career without having to use a fire shelter.

“A fire shelter is designed as a last resort, when everything else has failed; you get into a fire shelter or you will die,” said Wristen. “There have been a lot of people who’ve survived by getting into one. It’s miserable, but it’s the one tool we have that can save lives.”

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On October 22, 2007, 12 Orange County firefighters in the Santiago area were forced to rely on their fire shelters to save their lives. The incident was captured and relayed on this You Tube video: