The present invention is a device that provides protection for a window from exterior fires which might ignite combustibles by
radiation through the glass and / or
break the glass and allow direct
flame impingement, and also operates as a non-
solid shutter or shade allowing privacy and shade. The
shutter consists of
metal or other noncombustible screen, mesh or slats spaced or pierced so that they allow some light to penetrate for shade control but protect the window glass from heat
radiation and
flying debris created by an external firestorm. The
shutter can be raised and lowered manually, or with
mechanical assistance, as by means of a chain lift or other roll-up / down mechanism for shade and privacy control, but will drop (close) automatically when released by a
fusible link of the appropriate temperature setting to provide the
fire protection. The unique features of the invention are the spacing of the slats, mesh or screen openings, sized to interrupt the coherent passage of heat
radiation waves, and a mechanism to override manual operation so that shutter will automatically close during a fire.