A FIREPOD® can help protect your home from destructive wildfires.
"...it's like having your own fire engine."
- A FIREPOD is a stand-alone, completely self-reliant system that requires no outside water or power source*. [Patent Pending]
- The wildfire protection on demand system provides a simple and effective way to quickly apply Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel to a house or other structure during a wildfire event.
- Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel sticks to most building materials, including windows, and prevents ignition due to flying embers, heat, or direct contact with the flames of an advancing wildfire.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a FIREPOD?
A FIREPOD® is a stand-alone, completely self-contained unit for applying Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel to structures of most sizes during a wildfire event. 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 turns water and Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel into a mixture that can be easily sprayed on your home or other structures on your property. The 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.
A FIREPOD® is a stand-alone, completely self-contained unit for applying Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel to structures of most sizes during a wildfire event. 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 turns water and Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel into a mixture that can be easily sprayed on your home or other structures on your property. The 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. How big of a house will a FIREPOD protect?*
Our smaller FIREPOD (FP-200) has the capacity to hold 200 gallons of water and will cover approx. 4000 sq.ft. of surface area per water fill[1]. Our larger FIREPPOD (FP-325) has the capacity to hold 325 gallons of water and will cover approx. 6000 sq.ft. of surface area per water fill[1].
* A Pre-Order Client Questionnaire will help us better advise you on placement and the length of hoses required. If necessary, multiple FIREPODS may be needed to adequately cover all structures requiring protection.
5. How big is a FIREPOD?
Our smallest FIREPOD (FP-200) measures approximately 4'W x 4'H x 6.5'L, holds 200 gallons of water and 20 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, and can fit in a full size short-bed pickup truck or a small utility trailer[2]. It can also be placed on the ground near the structure it will protect.
Our slightly larger FIREPOD (FP-325) measures approximately 4’W x 4’H x 7.5’L, holds 325 gallons of water and 30 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, and can fit in a full size long-bed pickup truck, or a medium utility trailer[2]. It can also be placed on the ground near the structure it will protect.
6. How much does a FIREPOD weigh?
Empty (no water or gel), a FIREPOD weighs approximately 750-800 pounds. Depending on the model (i.e. 200 or 325 gallons of water and 20 or 30 gallons of Thermo-Gel® respectively) a fully loaded FIREPOD can weigh from 2,700 – 3,800 pounds.
7. Is Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel safe? Is it easy to wash off after the fire has passed?
8. Where can a FIREPOD be stored and/or deployed?
A FIREPOD can be placed next to the structure it is going to protect. If it is a house, it can be stored in the garage. For larger properties with multiple structures requiring protection, a FIREPOD can be placed in the back of a pickup truck or on a utility trailer as discussed in question 5 above.
9. Where is the best place to position my FIREPOD before spraying?
Ideally, you want to position your FIREPOD at a corner of your structure or wherever you can easily walk around the structure in both directions so you can reach and spray vulnerable surfaces. During the ordering process, we survey your property to help you determine the best location for deployment as well as coverage requirements.
10. How do I operate a FIREPOD?
Simply put, fill it with water and Thermo-Gel®, start up the pumps, pull out the hoses to the area you want to protect, rotate the water and gel valves from “Recirculation” to “Spray”, and begin spraying. 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.
11. 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.
12. How long will the mixture effectively protect my house?
How long the water/Thermo-Gel® mixture lasts depends on a few weather conditions. 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 re-hydrated or “reactivated” by applying a light misting of plain water.
13. What comes with a FIREPOD?
Each FIREPOD comes with:
14. Can I order more Thermo-Gel®?
Absolutely, and we recommend that you do. We can assist with any additional orders for Thermo-Gel®.
15. How do you deliver my FIREPOD to me?
That 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 those orders outside of Southern California, we will arrange to have it shipped to you for an additional shipping charge.
16. Should I practice using my FIREPOD?
Absolutely! You want to become very knowledgeable about your FIREPOD and be comfortable using it in all circumstances. We go over this in our training videos.
17. Do you offer training in how to use the FIREPOD?
Yes we do. We have instructional videos that we provide upon delivery of your FIREPOD as well as in person training.
18. Where are FIREPODS made?
FIREPODS are designed and manufactured in California, USA.
Our smaller FIREPOD (FP-200) has the capacity to hold 200 gallons of water and will cover approx. 4000 sq.ft. of surface area per water fill[1]. Our larger FIREPPOD (FP-325) has the capacity to hold 325 gallons of water and will cover approx. 6000 sq.ft. of surface area per water fill[1].
* A Pre-Order Client Questionnaire will help us better advise you on placement and the length of hoses required. If necessary, multiple FIREPODS may be needed to adequately cover all structures requiring protection.
5. How big is a FIREPOD?
Our smallest FIREPOD (FP-200) measures approximately 4'W x 4'H x 6.5'L, holds 200 gallons of water and 20 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, and can fit in a full size short-bed pickup truck or a small utility trailer[2]. It can also be placed on the ground near the structure it will protect.
Our slightly larger FIREPOD (FP-325) measures approximately 4’W x 4’H x 7.5’L, holds 325 gallons of water and 30 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, and can fit in a full size long-bed pickup truck, or a medium utility trailer[2]. It can also be placed on the ground near the structure it will protect.
6. How much does a FIREPOD weigh?
Empty (no water or gel), a FIREPOD weighs approximately 750-800 pounds. Depending on the model (i.e. 200 or 325 gallons of water and 20 or 30 gallons of Thermo-Gel® respectively) a fully loaded FIREPOD can weigh from 2,700 – 3,800 pounds.
7. Is Thermo-Gel® fire retardant gel safe? Is it easy to wash off after the fire has passed?
- Yes. It is non-toxic and completely biodegradable. It does not stain paint, stucco, cement, etc.
- Yes. It washes off with plain water. The higher the water pressure, the less time it takes.
8. Where can a FIREPOD be stored and/or deployed?
A FIREPOD can be placed next to the structure it is going to protect. If it is a house, it can be stored in the garage. For larger properties with multiple structures requiring protection, a FIREPOD can be placed in the back of a pickup truck or on a utility trailer as discussed in question 5 above.
9. Where is the best place to position my FIREPOD before spraying?
Ideally, you want to position your FIREPOD at a corner of your structure or wherever you can easily walk around the structure in both directions so you can reach and spray vulnerable surfaces. During the ordering process, we survey your property to help you determine the best location for deployment as well as coverage requirements.
10. How do I operate a FIREPOD?
Simply put, fill it with water and Thermo-Gel®, start up the pumps, pull out the hoses to the area you want to protect, rotate the water and gel valves from “Recirculation” to “Spray”, and begin spraying. 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.
11. 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.
12. How long will the mixture effectively protect my house?
How long the water/Thermo-Gel® mixture lasts depends on a few weather conditions. 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 re-hydrated or “reactivated” by applying a light misting of plain water.
13. What comes with a FIREPOD?
Each FIREPOD comes with:
- The first batch of Thermo-Gel® (quantity varies based upon model of FIREPOD).
- Dual (2) 1" NFRA rated lightweight booster hoses that are connected together to make them easier to deploy and rewind. Hose length varies among FIREPOD models.
- One (1) 1” fully adjustable nozzle with independent and variable controls of water and gel with a ball shut off and 20 GPM Eductor, mixing valve and flow restrictor, and quick connect clean out/flush adaptor.
- Owner’s Manual and instructional training videos
- Certificate of Purchase & Ownership (for Insurance purposes)
14. Can I order more Thermo-Gel®?
Absolutely, and we recommend that you do. We can assist with any additional orders for Thermo-Gel®.
15. How do you deliver my FIREPOD to me?
That 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 those orders outside of Southern California, we will arrange to have it shipped to you for an additional shipping charge.
16. Should I practice using my FIREPOD?
Absolutely! You want to become very knowledgeable about your FIREPOD and be comfortable using it in all circumstances. We go over this in our training videos.
17. Do you offer training in how to use the FIREPOD?
Yes we do. We have instructional videos that we provide upon delivery of your FIREPOD as well as in person training.
18. Where are FIREPODS made?
FIREPODS are designed and manufactured in California, USA.
* Once pre-filled. Water and power are often unavailable to affected areas during wildfire events.
[1] A FIREPOD mixes Thermo-Gel® at approx. 3 gallons per 100 gallons of water. The FP-200 holds 20 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, therefore there is enough gel for 3 rounds if it is filled with 200 gallons of water each time. The FP-325 holds 30 gallons of gel and therefore there is enough gel for 2 rounds if it is filled with 300 gallons of water each time. If more water and gel are available, and time/safety permit, a FIREPOD can be used multiple times.
[2] Both would require adequate GVWR ratings to support the working load of the FIREPOD.
[1] A FIREPOD mixes Thermo-Gel® at approx. 3 gallons per 100 gallons of water. The FP-200 holds 20 gallons of Thermo-Gel®, therefore there is enough gel for 3 rounds if it is filled with 200 gallons of water each time. The FP-325 holds 30 gallons of gel and therefore there is enough gel for 2 rounds if it is filled with 300 gallons of water each time. If more water and gel are available, and time/safety permit, a FIREPOD can be used multiple times.
[2] Both would require adequate GVWR ratings to support the working load of the FIREPOD.