Method and apparatus for providing a traversable pathway through a pool of flammable fluid

A method for providing a traversable pathway through a pool of flammable fluid comprising:

• deploying in contact with the pool in contiguous end-to-end relationship a plurality of platform elements each comprising a blanket of porous, non-capillary, heat-resistant material with a thickness exposed above the surface of the pool sufficient to prevent penetration of flame from the upper surface of the blanket to the flammable fluid, the blanket material providing a myriad of small internal interstices and being relatively readily compressible or deformable, and each element having on its upper surface a relatively rigid load-distributing deck connected to downwardly depending members which support the deck so that the elements can support the weight of one or more persons thereon without substantial deformation, and thereby forming a substantially continuous elongated pathway.

Apparatus for forming a traversable pathway through a pool of flammable fluid, comprising a plurality of platform elements each comprising a blanket of porous, non-capillary, heat-resistant material of thickness sufficient to prevent penetration of flame from the upper surface of the blanket to the flammable fluid when in contact with the lower surface of the blanket, each element having a relatively rigid load-distributing porous deck of heavy gauge expanded metal on its upper surface so that the elements can support the weight of one or more persons thereon without substantial deformation, a foot member on the lower surface of each element, and rigid support means connecting the foot and the deck, and the elements being adapted to be deployed in contiguous end-to-end relationship to form a substantially continuous elongated pathway.