My name is Rick Kirkwood. I am an L.A. City Firefighter @ F>S.10 downtown. My company was sent to the Grand Prix Fire in Rancho Cucamonga. I wore my Hot Shield HS-2 the entire 6 days that we were there. We saw plenty of action on the front line and my Hot Shield saved my lungs. I am a born asthmatic and had NO problems, unlike the other members of my engine company....they came home coughing up BLACK "JUNK" for a few weeks. They have since purchased Hot Shields. Thanks for making a quality product to help us do our job! I have included a few photos of our crew @ the Grand Prix Fire of '03.
Thank you,
Rick Kirkwood Firefighter, Los Angeles Fire Dept Torrance, CA.
..."This fast moving fire was spotting 2 miles ahead. Flame lengths were as high as 300 ft., and the fire was rapidly surrounding us! The branch leader ordered both safety zones to be fired out. We realized we were on our own, relying on a swimming pool and SCBA as a last resort. Winds were gusting over 50 mph. with 100 ft. flame lengths when the fire reached us. The air temperature was very hot and swirling, flaming embers and smoke filled the air. Breathing at best was difficult. Luckily all members of my crew were using their HOT SHIELDS. All of us credit the HOT SHIELD with filtering out the majority of airborne particulate and smoke as well as providing an added level of heat protection to our face and necks. As a result we were able to perform our duties under extreme conditions while at the same time reduce the amount of smoke inhalation. I would not hesitate to recommend the HOT SHIELD to anyone in the fire service..."
Jim Clark
Fire Captain/ Larkspur Fire Department
..."During one of many wind shifts, flying embers caused the fire to slop over the road. Smoke and flying embers were blowing horizontally. It became impossible to see my engine, which was only 8-10 ft. away. By wearing my HOT SHIELD I was able to function normally in a zero visibility environment. I couldn't even smell the smoke! In contrast, my engineer who was seated inside the fully enclosed cab became virtually incapacitated by the smoke. After the slop over was secured, several other firefighters had sore throats, gritty teeth, and black mucous in their noses. I am certain that I would have suffered similarly had it not been for my HOT SHIELD. I feel the HOT SHIELD should be standard equipment for any agency that has to contend with wildland fires..."
Ron Cole, Fire Warden
Utah County Fire
..."Very rapidly the wind shifted and our strike team became trapped and overrun by fire. The wind was estimated at 80-100 mph. Our engine sustained major damage: blown out wind shield, broken window, sand blasted paint and chrome. I was one of two people who had a HOT SHIELD on to field test. I was extremely happy to have it on. I suffered no injuries while another firefighter who did not have a HOT SHIELD on did. I feel strongly that the HOT SHIELD protected me from flying embers and debris. It also protected my lungs from smoke. I was the only one on my engine crew who did not have any debris in my nose or mouth. I also feel that being able to breath helped me to stay calmer and think clearer. I think HOT SHIELDS should become a standard piece of wildland equipment. I know that I will continue to carry mine on all vegetation fires..."
Christopher Handle
Salinas Rural Fire
