Abstract: The fire retarding fluid mat is formed of two layers of material sealed around the edges. At least one layer intended for exposure to burning materials is a fire layer of semiporous material which is covered on the outer surface by a semiporous coating. The second or container layer is composed of a semiporous or nonporous material. The two layers are seamed together at joints intermediate the edges to prevent a ballooning effect when the mat is filled with a fluid such as water. When burning material contacts the semiporous coating fluid is released by capillary action. Once the fire is extinguished the semiporous coating reseals to retain the fluid.