25
Jun

Wildfire fire shelters, often nicknamed “shake and bake” shelters, are emergency survival tools used by firefighters during dangerous fire conditions. These heat-resistant shelters are designed to improve survival chances when escape is no longer possible during a wildfire.

Wildfire preparedness is especially important in Colorado, where dry conditions and wildfire risk can threaten both homes and outdoor recreation areas..

What is the “Shake and Bake”?

A “Shake and Bake” fire shelter is a thermal-resistant tent for one person. You shake it out, wrap it around you on the ground, and then stay there in the middle of a fire. It takes about a minute for the fire to pass, and the shelter will help to manage the heat from those flames.

The “bake” part comes from the fact that the heat is around you. The shelter is made of a material that is going to make it feel like you’re a baked potato.

Can You Get These Shelters as a Civilian?

The good news is that these shelters aren’t just for firefighters. You can search online for them, and they are more than worth investing in if you are in an area or hike in an area that is prone to wildfires.

They are a little harder to get because the firefighters need them more than we do. However, with some searching, they are available.

There are a few old-school shelters available on auction sites. You’ll usually find that they come in a yellow packet and they cost around $50. They’re not worth it. There’s a reason firefighters no longer use them.

The new generation shelters have two layers of fabric and an aluminum foil to reflect and insulate. See, you’ll feel like a baked potato! There are two sizes depending on your height and weight. If you have a small child, get the larger size as you can usually huddle together in one.

Make sure as much vegetation around you is cleared and you find a ditch if you can. This helps to avoid the fire burning onto you.

How Can You Practice Using the Shelter?

Annoyingly, the shelters can only be used once. After you open them and shake them out, they don’t fit back into their case. Yet you need to practice with them as you’ll usually need to shake them out in high winds.

There are practice shelters out there in a red case. They won’t help in the fire, but they will give you what you need to practice getting the shelter out and getting in.

These shelters aren’t guaranteed safety. There have been cases of firefighters dying despite deploying their shelters. However, you’re going to be safer with one than without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wildfire fire shelter?
A wildfire fire shelter is a heat-resistant emergency shelter designed to protect people from extreme radiant heat during a wildfire.

Why is it called a “shake and bake” shelter?
The nickname comes from the process of shaking out the shelter quickly before deploying it while intense heat surrounds the user.

Can civilians buy wildfire fire shelters?
Yes, civilians can purchase wildfire fire shelters, although they may be harder to find because they are commonly reserved for firefighters.

Do wildfire fire shelters guarantee survival?
No, fire shelters improve survival chances but cannot guarantee protection in all wildfire conditions.

Can you reuse a wildfire fire shelter?
No, actual fire shelters are designed for one-time emergency use, though practice shelters are available for training.

Wildfire fire shelters are designed as a last-resort survival tool during extreme fire conditions, but preparation before a wildfire starts is always the best defense. Reducing vegetation, improving defensible space, and understanding wildfire risks can help protect your home and family. Colorado Mastication provides wildfire mitigation and land management services to help reduce fire danger around your property. Call (719) 400-9104 or email office@coloradomastication.com to learn more.