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The New Generation Fire Shelter
The shelter has an indefinite shelf life because its materials do not degrade in normal storage at the fire cache. Nevertheless, all shelters should be inspected when they are issued and every 14 days during the fire season. Only serviceable fire shelters should be taken to the fireline. Don’t assume that a new carrying case contains a new shelter. Shelters with the oldest manufacture dates should be issued first.
Inspect the carrying case, liner, plastic bag, and shelter (figure 24). Do not open the plastic bag. All opened shelters should be removed from service.
Figure 24—Inspect your shelter regularly.
Check the plastic bag to ensure that the quick-opening strip is unbroken and the two red pull rings are intact. If any item is broken, remove the shelter from service.
Abrasion is the most common damage to a fire shelter. Abrasion can be spotted through the plastic bag. Typically, the aluminum foil is rubbed from the fiberglass cloth on the outer surface or the outside edges of the shelter. Remove the shelter from service if you see extensive edge abrasion, if aluminum particles have turned the clear plastic bag dark gray or black, or if the bottom of the bag has debris. All of these problems are signs of serious abrasion. Look for tears along the folded edges. Remove shelters from service when tears are longer than ¼ inch.
Shelters that have been removed from service make excellent training aids, but should be clearly marked "For Training Only" so they do not reach the fireline.
Firefighting is rough on equipment, so the fire shelter is expected to have a limited service life. A little care can extend that life—even on the fireline. The shelter is an important piece of protective equipment. Treat it accordingly:
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