Abstract: A flame resistant protective head shield includes a hollow body having a neck receptacle to facilitate the body being positioned around a neck of a wearer. The body has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines an interior cavity. An opening is provided in the exterior surface in communication with the interior cavity. A flexible flame resistant substrate is provided having a secured end and a free end. The secured end is secured to the body. The substrate is movable between a stored position within interior cavity and a deployed position in which the free end of the substrate extends through the opening and upwardly to cover a head of the wearer. A pressurized gas powered actuator is provided to move the substrate in a fraction of a second from the stored position to the deployed position. A sensor is provided for detecting a flash fire coupled to the actuator. Deployment of the substrate by the actuator is triggered by the sensor sensing a flash fire.