Abstract: A fire protection system for helping to prevent an area from catching fire comprising a large fire-resistant tarp for draping over the area; cables slidably attached along the side edges of the tarp via eyelets; a guide rope near the bottom of the tarp for helping to help spread the tarp over the area; a plurality of attachment components at the bottom of the tarp for attaching to a structure in the area to secure the tarp; a weighted component disposed near the bottom edge of the tarp to help guide the tarp to a particular position over the area or help prevent the tarp from being blown by drafts; and a flap disposed at the bottom edge of the tarp, the flap remains unrestrained when the tarp is secured over the area, wherein an individual can take shelter beneath the flap.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fire retarding device including a tarp or similar material impregnated with a fire retardant substance, cables, and a means for delivering the tarp to the site of a fire, such as one or more helicopters. The fire retarding device may include a flap of material for firefighters to use as a refuge and tie-downs to secure one or more portion of the tarp to a tree or other structure. The tarp may include pockets or pouches filled with ballast material to assist in the deployment of the tarp.