What are fire shutters?

Fire shutters, also known as rolling fire shutters or fire-rated shutters, are protective coverings designed to shield windows and other vulnerable openings from the intense heat and flames of a wildfire. They act as a physical barrier, preventing embers and radiant heat from penetrating your home and igniting interior materials. These shutters are typically made of durable, fire-resistant materials like steel or aluminum and are designed to be easily deployed when needed.

How do fire shutters work?

When a fire threatens, the shutters are quickly closed, either manually or automatically, creating a barrier against the fire’s advance.

There are two main types of fire shutters:

  • Manual Fire Shutters: These shutters are operated manually, usually by a crank or lever. They require someone to be present to activate them, making them suitable for situations where advance warning of a fire is available.
  • Automatic Fire Shutters: These shutters are triggered automatically by a heat sensor or a signal from a fire detection system. This allows them to activate even if no one is home, providing crucial protection during fast-moving wildfires.

What are the benefits of fire shutters?

  • ENHANCED FIRE PROTECTION: Fire shutters provide a critical layer of defense against wildfires, significantly reducing the risk of flames and embers entering your home.
  • PROTECTION FROM RADIANT HEAT: They block radiant heat, which can ignite flammable materials inside your home even if direct flames don’t reach the structure.
  • INCREASED HOME VALUE: Installing fire shutters can add value to your property, demonstrating a commitment to safety and preparedness in high-risk areas.
  • PEACE OF MIND: Knowing your home is equipped with fire shutters can provide invaluable peace of mind, especially during wildfire season.
  • VERSATILE APPLICATION: Fire shutters can be installed on windows, doors, and other vulnerable openings, providing comprehensive protection.

Elfin Forest Interpretive center:

The photos to the right are of the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center, a welcome and learning center in Escondido, CA. The design of the building integrates fire shutters as a strategy to protect again fires. Below is a description of each photo.

Photo 1: Here, you can see the building design as a whole. The shutters on the main entry door and the window are closed.

Photo 2: This view reveals the fire shutter’s discreet housing above the window when in the open position. The wood-clad box adds visual interest to the building’s facade while concealing the shutter mechanism.

Photo 3: A closer look at the windows. The shutter track on either side of the window blends seamlessly with the natural plaster finish. The smaller, secondary window doesn’t have an overhead fire shutter, but rather a steel plate on hinges that can be manually closed to protect the building.

Photo 4: This zoomed in view shows the mechanism that lowers the fire shutters, showcasing the simple and effective design that allows for quick deployment when necessary.

This building also incorporates other fire-resistive and green building strategies, including: