Fire Shelter FAQ’s
Does your Fire Bunker Comply with Australian Standards?
At the moment there are NO Australian standards for Fire Bunkers or Fire Shelters and we make it very clear that no Fire Bunker we know of has been tested in real world conditions and certainly NO fire shelters or bunkers are compliant at present. Fire Proof Shelters use the highest quality components available, however there are no guarantees that any man made structure can withstand the incredible extremes that we experienced on Black Saturday!
**Our advice to anyone in a high risk area is to leave early to guarantee your safety; Fire Bunkers are a last resort in case you get trapped and cannot escape.**
These Are The Most Frequently Asked Question About Fire Shelters and Fire Bunkers!
What do you do for Air?
Our Fire proof shelters or Fire Bunkers are air-tight to protect the quality of the air inside and stop smoke leaching inside. There is sufficient air in our Fire shelter to sustain safe and comfortable breathing level for 4 to 5 adults for over 4 hours. It is unlikely you would ever be in your Fire Bunker longer than 30 to 40 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: Never Use a tank with pure oxygen in any form, this is both poisonous if the Oxygen level raises too high and creates a Big Fire and Explosion Risk!
Can I get trapped inside?
We will only install a Fire Proof shelter AWAY from structures and trees that may fall. We WILL NOT install one under a structure under any circumstances. If branches present a possible problem they may need to be trimmed.
What if it’s still burning outside my Fire Bunker after 40 minutes?
We will not install a Fire Proof shelter in any position or location that may result in a prolonged burn close to the exit. If there is the chance of small branches falling near the exit, and burning, we will advise you to have a fire extinguisher as part of your Fire shelter or Fire Bunker items list.
Can I cook inside the Fire Proof Shelter?
No, the Fire shelter is installed underground at a recommended 400mm below the surface ensuring the temperature cannot rise significantly inside the your Fire Proof Shelter. The surrounding earth not only insulates you from the heat, but actively cools the Fire shelter and the air inside.
Will the door warp and jam closed?
No, the doors on our Fire Proof Shelters are Purpose built FIRE DOORS rated at 3 Hours, as are the Hinges and Handles. We will not install a Fire Bunker where the door will be exposed to prolonged heat. They are either below ground & fire level, or protected by earth (in the case of side entry shelters).
Can I have vents with filters?
Vents will allow air to escape rapidly when the fire front is upon you and deplete the breathable air, and then the shelter will “breathe in” drawing smoke and heat into the shelter. Poorly placed synthetic filters can melt at this point and poison the occupants with toxic fumes.
Can the kids use it as a Play house?
NO, the Fire Proof shelter is airtight and children MUST be supervised at all times. YOU will need to lock the shelter if your children are of an age where they can not understand the danger.
Do you dig the hole?
We can arrange for the hole to be dug if need be; normally we encourage you to organise a local excavation contractor to do the digging. Make sure you ask us how big your hole needs to be before you start!
This is Why Fire Proof Shelters are THE ONLY Choice When it Comes to Bush Fire Protection for You and Your Family
11 comments
John Hick on March 8, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Hi Craig
I am interested in installing a fireshelter at my property. I notice on your website that it states that your fireshelters have been tested in conditions “well beyond the extreme conditions experienced in bush fires”. Are you able to provide any reports of the results of these tests?
Regards
John Hick
admin on March 9, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Hi John,
What we have been able to do is simulate the approximate heat levels to the top of the shelter using a furnace and measure the temperature inside.
The inside temperature didn’t rise more than a few degrees.
We only install our fire shelters at least 300mm underground which give you a very high degree of insulation and protection, keeping in mind the radiant heat is the highest directly in front of the fire and not below ground level.
Craig
Mike on May 9, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi Craig,
How do you know when it is safe to come out?
Mike
Ben on August 26, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Hi Craig,
How heavy are your shelters? My location requires a crane lift over the house.
Ben
admin on September 1, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Hi Ben,
Our standard size shelter is 6.5 tonne for the 2.4m x2.7m unit
Regards
Craig
Christy Kemp on September 10, 2009 at 5:34 am
Can we see some pics of side entry bunkers please. These are the ones we are VERY interested in
cheers
Christy Kemp
and what cost?
admin on September 10, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Hi Christy,
Please have a look at the Fire shelter design page as I have included the diagram for the side entry model with single 4 hour fire door.
regards
Andrew
Steve on October 12, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Are there any issues regarding damp earth or rain water seepage leaking into concrete over time? Is some sort of waterproof membrane added to the exterior to prevent this?
admin on October 13, 2009 at 1:36 am
Hi Steve,
One thing that is evident out there is the lack of true understanding of how concrete works. To cure and gain maximum strength concrete needs to have access to adequate moisture to continue the curing process which can last up to 6 months and beyond, (in actual fact concrete continues to cure indefinitely).
In practical terms the concrete will sweat for up to 3 months which can result in a small amount of water build up and this will decrease to virtually zero once the process of the capillaries closing up has finished.
I cannot stress how important it is to allow the concrete to cure properly and gain full strength!
If you seal the concrete before it has had time to cure, you run the risk of weak concrete that is likely to crack.
I have a lot more data on this, hopefully that answers your question.
Regards
Andrew
John Harrigan on November 18, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Hi, once the concrete has cured could it be painted inside, not to look nice but to reduce dust etc
admin on November 18, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Hi John, yes it certainly can be painted once cured. I would suggest making sure the paint or coating is very safe and non toxic in any way of course.
regards
Andrew