When deploying a fire shelter, which direction should the firefighter's feet be facing?

When deploying a fire shelter, the firefighter's feet should be facing towards the fire. This positioning allows for the shelter to be effectively used as a barrier between the firefighter and the heat and flames of the fire. Facing towards the fire minimizes the risk of being caught in any embers or debris that might be propelled by the heat and guarantees that the shelter can provide the utmost protection from the radiant heat as well as direct flames.

Additionally, this positions the firefighter in a way that they can monitor the situation outside the shelter and make informed decisions as necessary. It's critical to understand that the shelter is designed to reflect heat and provide a safe space, and orientation towards the threat is a crucial part of maximizing its effectiveness.

In contrast, turning away from the fire would expose more of the body to radiant heat, thus diminishing the shelter's protective capabilities.