Our Story
On a hot August day in 2021, a barn caught fire just north of Spokane, Washington. Two firefighters arrived on a brush truck containing 200 gallons of water to put out the fire. The flames were still raging when the water ran out, and their next line of defense was to dig a fireline by hand around the barn to stop it from spreading.
Before the firefighters could dig all the way around the barn, a gust of wind swept the flames right past them into a neighboring field. The fire spread rapidly and continued to burn for 30 days, charring 16,000 acres, destroying 18 homes, and costing nearly $7 million to put out.
All because a fire line couldn't be dug fast enough.
As the founder of Blaze Barrier, I’ve dedicated my career to creating innovative products that make a difference. After learning that modern firefighters are still using rudimentary hand tools to fight wildfires, I set out to develop an effective tool to amplify their efforts and make their job safer - Jacob, Founder, Blaze Barrier.
Our Product
The Blaze Barrier is a wildfire defense solution that helps homeowners protect their homes and property from the devastation caused by wildfire.
For firefighters, it helps by giving them a fast and effective tool that safely amplifies their efforts, replacing the need to dig fire lines by hand in the intense heat, smoke, and flames on the front line.
For teams out in the field, Blaze Barrier is an effective fire mitigation solution. This includes utility teams, railroad workers, and anyone who is concerned about the risk of fire while out in the field.
The Blaze Barrier, the world’s first “fire-line-in-a-box”, is a set of fire retardant modules that are strung together into a 25-foot defensive shield that can be laid out in less than a minute. When activated by flames, each module propels fire retardant 5 feet into the oncoming wildfire and 5 feet away, extinguishing the flames and covering surrounding vegetation to help prevent further spread.
The Blaze Barrier is designed to bring the power and benefits of a fire line to homeowners, while freeing up firefighters to quickly and safely cover more ground by replacing their need to dig fire lines by hand.
Blaze Barrier offers a reliable and innovative approach to wildfire defense, AND this patent-pending product is manufactured right here in the USA.
Rapid Deployment
The Blaze Barrier can be laid down in less than 60-seconds so you can quickly protect your home and then evacuate.
Flame-Activated Modules
When activated by flames, Blaze Barrier modules release a fire retardant, extinguishing the fire instantly and creating a 10-foot barrier of fire protection.
Eco-Friendly
The modules are 100% biodegradable, and the fire retardant is often used as a fertilizer, ensuring Blaze Barrier is safe for the environment and leaves no harmful residue.
The Team
Our Guild of Builders
Jacob | CEO, Founder
I have a passion for helping people. With 20 years of experience in engineering and product development. I bring expertise in managing complex manufacturing processes, and my unwavering commitment to quality and safety ensures that every product is crafted to the highest standards.
Jennifer | COO
I focus on systems, processes, team dynamics, and problem-solving. I am building our culture while keeping us moving forward by creating a workspace where people do work they are proud of, in a place they enjoy working, and where they feel valued and supported in their growth.
Brett | Product Engineer
Our product is used in high-stakes situations. The product needs to work, period. I'm constantly thinking about ways to challenge our product, imagining it in scenarios we may not have previously considered, and then testing, iterating, and testing again.
Cody | Safety and Facilities Manager
I'm most passionate about our conservation efforts. Our planet has an unbelievable range of incredible natural life, and a considerable amount of it gets destroyed by wildfires. I believe deeply in Blaze Barrier's ability to curb those effects and allow our natural world to remain healthy and thriving.
Jabez | Chief of Spark
As we build out our go-to-market and sales strategy, I'm helping take the product to market. With over 20 years of experience growing companies and developing marketing and sales systems. I'm also an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University in the School of Business.
Christi | Production Associate
Building a product that has never been made before requires extensive custom work. I help create anything custom we need to test, develop, or manufacture for our product. I also help keep this place in order.
Becky | HR
My company, Powered by People, partners with Blaze Barrier to help them navigate their rapid growth, hiring, and general HR support. We work together to ensure the right people get hired and that the company is prepared to scale.
Annie | Operations Coordinator
As an operational coordinator, I assist with several areas of the business. From production & workflow management to communication & supporting grant development, I help where I can when I'm needed.
Sadie | Director of Happiness
I bring joy everywhere I go. My main role is to look cute, ask for pets, and keep everyone in a good mood. I'm great at my job
Our Founder
Jacob Schuler is the founder and CEO of Blaze Barrier, Inc., with over 20 years of experience in engineering and product development. Holding a track record of successfully leading projects from concept to delivery, Jacob has been dedicated to perfecting Blaze Barrier since 2021. His expertise in managing complex manufacturing processes and his unwavering commitment to quality and safety ensure that every product is crafted to the highest standards. Jacob’s leadership, combined with his deep industry knowledge, ensures Blaze Barrier will always be delivered with integrity and precision.
Mission
Blaze Barrier is dedicated to redefining wildfire safety, innovating with purpose to protect lives, safeguard health, and defend properties, all within a sustainable framework.
Vision
At Blaze Barrier, we see a future defined by resilience and safety, where our sustainable wildfire solutions bring peace of mind to communities and firefighters across the globe.
Values
- Innovation
- Safety
- Sustainability
- Reliability
- Collaboration
- Integrity
Why It Matters
- Escalating Threat: With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe, innovative defense solutions are crucial for community safety and environmental preservation.
- Direct Impact: Effective wildfire management directly translates to saved lives, protected homes, and preserved health, making our mission not just a business goal, but a societal necessity.
- Sustainable Future: Our commitment to sustainability ensures that our solutions not only address immediate threats but also contribute to long-term environmental health and resilience.
In The News
GeekWire Feature
We’re heating up! 💥 What started as an idea sparked by wildfire challenges is now driving real funding and impact — thank you to GeekWire for spotlighting Blaze Barrier and our mission to make wildfire defense faster and smarter. And thank you to everyone who believes in what we’re building. 🔥
Ignite NW 25+5
We are honored to share that Blaze Barrier was recognized on Ignite Northwest's 25 + 5 list for 2026! This annual list highlights the 25 fastest-growing companies in the Spokane region, plus 5 to watch. 🚀
Journal of Business
Earlier this month, we got the opportunity to catch up with Karina Elias from the Spokane Journal of Business and share some of the exciting new updates that have been happening here at Blaze Barrier!
Journal of Business
Well-written article about our founder Jacob Schuler and the Blaze Barrier product and business.
KHQ Non-Stop Local News
Ainsley Anderson of Spokane's KHQ news did a television segment on Blaze Barrier and how it can help save lives and property in the area.