Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are FirePODSTM?
FirePODS are stand-alone, completely self-contained, portable application systems for applying fire retardant gel to residential structures of most sizes. There is currently a patent pending on it.
2. What does the name FirePODS stand for?
Fire Protection On Demand Systems. We call each individual unit a FirePOD.
FirePODS are stand-alone, completely self-contained, portable application systems for applying fire retardant gel to residential structures of most sizes. There is currently a patent pending on it.
2. What does the name FirePODS stand for?
Fire Protection On Demand Systems. We call each individual unit a FirePOD.
3. How does a FirePOD work?
A FirePOD proportionally mixes water and a fire retardant gel into a mix that is delivered via (2) 1.5" hoses and nozzles (same professional-grade ones used by fire departments). The water/gel mixture will stick to most building materials, including windows, and prevents ignition due to flying embers, heat, or direct contact with the flames of an advancing wildfire.
4. What kind of fire retardant gel does a FirePOD utilize?
FirePODS will work with liquid-based fire retardant gels. We strongly recommend utilizing Thermo-Gel® with your FirePOD.
5. How big is a FirePOD?
A FirePOD currently measures approximately four feet wide by four feet deep and six feet tall (4’Wx4’Dx6’H).
6. How did you come to the final design of the FirePOD?
We designed the FirePODS to be as small as possible, despite containing a large water tank (approximately 60% of the total size and volume), a powerful pump, a plumbing manifold system, valves, fire hoses, and a large battery bank and power management system. We like to think we pack a lot into our design of FirePODS.
7. How much does a FirePOD weigh?
Empty (no water or gel), a FirePOD typically weighs approx. 700-750 pounds and can roll easily to wherever you need to deploy one*. After filling it with water and Thermo-Gel®, a fully loaded FirePOD weighs approximately 3500 pounds.
8. Where is the best place to position my FirePOD?
Ideally you'll want to store or position your FirePOD near the corner of a structure. This allows you to fully stretch out both fire hoses in opposite directions to prevent kinks and to achieve the most coverage. Depending on where your garage is, you may choose to keep your FirePOD inside of it. During the outfitting process, we survey your property to help you determine the best location for deployment as well as coverage requirements.
9. How big of a house will one FirePOD protect?
With a proper mix of Thermo-Gel® and a full tank of water, a single FirePOD can cover approximately 4,500 Sq. Ft of surface area, i.e. the exterior of your house or structure. Part of the ordering process is completing a Pre-Order Client Questionnaire where you're asked to make a rough sketch of your property and structures along with measurements so that we can better advise you on where to place your FirePOD during deployment, as well the number of FirePODS needed to adequately cover all of your structures.
10.How long will the mixture effectively protect my house?
How long the water/Thermo-Gel® mixture lasts depends on a few weather conditions. Heat, humidity, wind, and sunlight all contribute to the drying up and breakdown of the overall mixture on your house. Generally speaking, the mixture will last a minimum of 6-8 hours to a maximum of 24-36 hours. The mixture can be “reactivated” by applying a light misting of plain water.
11. Where are FirePODS made?
FirePODS are designed and manufactured in Santa Barbara, California.
12. How do I operate a FIREPOD?
Simply put, fill it with water and Thermo-Gel®, let it mix the two together while you lay out your fire hoses, and then begin spraying your house. There are a couple intermediate steps of operating some valves, but not much more than that. FirePODS have large easy-to-read instructions on the control panel as well as instructional videos to train you on how to use your FirePOD.
13. When is the best time to deploy my FirePOD?
As soon as you receive a wildfire warning or pre-evacuation orders for your area. Never put yourself or your loved ones at risk by waiting until the last minute to evacuate.
14. Are there any photos of a FirePOD?
Absolutely, and they can be found here. (link)
15. Are there any videos of a FirePOD in action?
Yes there are, and they can be found here. (link)
16. Do you have a video that shows how to use the FirePOD?
Absolutely, and these instructional videos are included when you place your order.
17. Where do I store my FirePOD?
FirePODS are designed to be stored either outside or inside (i.e. a garage or shed). For the best results, we recommend that you store your FirePOD inside your garage where it can remain close to a power source to keep the battery bank fully charged. If you are interested in storing it outside, ask us about the many options to either match your FirePOD to your home, highlight it to make it more visible in smoky/dark conditions, or to disguise/camouflage it.
18. What comes with a FirePOD?
Each FirePOD comes with:
19. Can I order more Thermo-Gel®?
Absolutely, and we recommend that you do. We can assist with any additional orders for Thermo-Gel®.
20. How do you deliver my FirePOD to me?
That generally depends on where you live. For most orders in Southern California, we will deliver the FirePOD directly to you, and spend some time training you one-on-one on its use. For orders outside of Southern California, we will arrange to have it shipped to you for an additional shipping charge.
21. Should I practice using my FirePOD?
Absolutely! You'll want to become very knowledgeable about your FirePOD and be comfortable using it in all circumstances. We go over this in our training videos.
22. Do you offer training in how to use the FirePOD?
Yes we do. As explained in Question 12 above, we have instructional videos that we provide upon delivery of your FirePOD as well as in person training at our facility should you want to arrange for that as well.
A FirePOD proportionally mixes water and a fire retardant gel into a mix that is delivered via (2) 1.5" hoses and nozzles (same professional-grade ones used by fire departments). The water/gel mixture will stick to most building materials, including windows, and prevents ignition due to flying embers, heat, or direct contact with the flames of an advancing wildfire.
4. What kind of fire retardant gel does a FirePOD utilize?
FirePODS will work with liquid-based fire retardant gels. We strongly recommend utilizing Thermo-Gel® with your FirePOD.
5. How big is a FirePOD?
A FirePOD currently measures approximately four feet wide by four feet deep and six feet tall (4’Wx4’Dx6’H).
6. How did you come to the final design of the FirePOD?
We designed the FirePODS to be as small as possible, despite containing a large water tank (approximately 60% of the total size and volume), a powerful pump, a plumbing manifold system, valves, fire hoses, and a large battery bank and power management system. We like to think we pack a lot into our design of FirePODS.
7. How much does a FirePOD weigh?
Empty (no water or gel), a FirePOD typically weighs approx. 700-750 pounds and can roll easily to wherever you need to deploy one*. After filling it with water and Thermo-Gel®, a fully loaded FirePOD weighs approximately 3500 pounds.
8. Where is the best place to position my FirePOD?
Ideally you'll want to store or position your FirePOD near the corner of a structure. This allows you to fully stretch out both fire hoses in opposite directions to prevent kinks and to achieve the most coverage. Depending on where your garage is, you may choose to keep your FirePOD inside of it. During the outfitting process, we survey your property to help you determine the best location for deployment as well as coverage requirements.
9. How big of a house will one FirePOD protect?
With a proper mix of Thermo-Gel® and a full tank of water, a single FirePOD can cover approximately 4,500 Sq. Ft of surface area, i.e. the exterior of your house or structure. Part of the ordering process is completing a Pre-Order Client Questionnaire where you're asked to make a rough sketch of your property and structures along with measurements so that we can better advise you on where to place your FirePOD during deployment, as well the number of FirePODS needed to adequately cover all of your structures.
10.How long will the mixture effectively protect my house?
How long the water/Thermo-Gel® mixture lasts depends on a few weather conditions. Heat, humidity, wind, and sunlight all contribute to the drying up and breakdown of the overall mixture on your house. Generally speaking, the mixture will last a minimum of 6-8 hours to a maximum of 24-36 hours. The mixture can be “reactivated” by applying a light misting of plain water.
11. Where are FirePODS made?
FirePODS are designed and manufactured in Santa Barbara, California.
12. How do I operate a FIREPOD?
Simply put, fill it with water and Thermo-Gel®, let it mix the two together while you lay out your fire hoses, and then begin spraying your house. There are a couple intermediate steps of operating some valves, but not much more than that. FirePODS have large easy-to-read instructions on the control panel as well as instructional videos to train you on how to use your FirePOD.
13. When is the best time to deploy my FirePOD?
As soon as you receive a wildfire warning or pre-evacuation orders for your area. Never put yourself or your loved ones at risk by waiting until the last minute to evacuate.
14. Are there any photos of a FirePOD?
Absolutely, and they can be found here. (link)
15. Are there any videos of a FirePOD in action?
Yes there are, and they can be found here. (link)
16. Do you have a video that shows how to use the FirePOD?
Absolutely, and these instructional videos are included when you place your order.
17. Where do I store my FirePOD?
FirePODS are designed to be stored either outside or inside (i.e. a garage or shed). For the best results, we recommend that you store your FirePOD inside your garage where it can remain close to a power source to keep the battery bank fully charged. If you are interested in storing it outside, ask us about the many options to either match your FirePOD to your home, highlight it to make it more visible in smoky/dark conditions, or to disguise/camouflage it.
18. What comes with a FirePOD?
Each FirePOD comes with:
- The first batch of Thermo-Gel® (approximately 7.5 gallons)
- (2) 100' long 1.5" NFRA rated fire hoses
- (2) Scotty Fog/Stream D-Handle pistol grip shut-off nozzles
- (1) 50’ 20 amp A/C extension cord
- Owner’s Manual and instructional training videos
- Certificate of Purchase & Ownership (for Insurance purposes)
19. Can I order more Thermo-Gel®?
Absolutely, and we recommend that you do. We can assist with any additional orders for Thermo-Gel®.
20. How do you deliver my FirePOD to me?
That generally depends on where you live. For most orders in Southern California, we will deliver the FirePOD directly to you, and spend some time training you one-on-one on its use. For orders outside of Southern California, we will arrange to have it shipped to you for an additional shipping charge.
21. Should I practice using my FirePOD?
Absolutely! You'll want to become very knowledgeable about your FirePOD and be comfortable using it in all circumstances. We go over this in our training videos.
22. Do you offer training in how to use the FirePOD?
Yes we do. As explained in Question 12 above, we have instructional videos that we provide upon delivery of your FirePOD as well as in person training at our facility should you want to arrange for that as well.
* FirePODS come with optional large heavy duty castor wheels to move an empty unit along hardened pathways.