When a house fire breaks out, flames can reach 1100F within five minutes and 1700F by the ten-minute mark. At those temperatures, paper documents turn to ash, plastic melts, and even USB drives lose their data. A fireproof safe is the single most effective way to keep passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and irreplaceable digital backups intact when fire crews are still on their way.
I spent the last 60 days researching UL-certified ratings, ETL water submersion tests, and thousands of verified owner reviews to find the best fireproof safes for 2026. The eight models below cover every realistic use case, from a portable grab-and-go document bag to a 136-pound digital fortress with a 60-minute fire rating at 1700F. I have also added a buying guide that explains UL Class 350 versus Class 125 ratings, the difference between gypsum and ceramic fiber insulation, and the humidity issue that ruins documents even when the fire itself does not touch them.
Whether you need a safe for passports, a fireproof document box for a home office, or a waterproof fireproof safe for a basement prone to flooding, the picks below will hold up to real-world house fires, firefighting water, and the slow humidity creep that most buyers never think about until their papers smell like mildew.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Fireproof Safes for 2026
SentrySafe FHW40100 Lock Box
- 0.66 cu ft
- UL 30-min at 1550F
- 72-hour waterproof
- Carrying handles
Best Fireproof Safes in 2026 at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SentrySafe HD4100 – Editor’s Choice for documents and files |
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| Amazon Basics 2.13 cu ft – Largest capacity digital safe |
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| SentrySafe FHW40100 – Best fire and water combo |
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 Andyer Fireproof Bag – Best portable grab-and-go |
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 SentrySafe SFW123EU – 1-hour fire rating with digital lock |
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 Amazon Basics 1.8 cu ft – Best steel-only security value |
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 SentrySafe CHW30220 – Best compact chest for cash |
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 Homirxan 3.4 cu ft – Best with dual alarm system |
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1. SentrySafe HD4100 – Best Fireproof Safe for Documents and Files
SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe, File Folder and Document Box with Key Lock, 14.3 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches, HD4100
0.65 cu ft capacity
UL 30-min at 1550F
Waterproof with key lock
39 lbs
Pros
- UL Classified 30-min fire rating at 1550F
- ETL verified waterproof seal
- spacious interior fits hanging file folders
- durable steel with fire-resistant composites
- includes two backup keys
Cons
- Rubber gasket can detach over time
- plastic latch feels flimsy
- key is not reinforced
- 39 lbs makes repositioning difficult
I have owned the SentrySafe HD4100 for about 18 months and use it as my go-to document safe for passports and insurance policies. The 0.65 cubic foot interior swallows standard letter-size hanging folders without forcing me to bend anything. When I slid in a full set of mortgage documents, three passports, and a small lockbox of silver, the lid still closed easily without flex.
What sold me on this safe was the dual UL and ETL rating. UL Classified means it endured 1550F for 30 minutes in a third-party furnace test, and ETL Verified means the waterproof seal held during full submersion. After a small basement flood two months ago, I opened the unit and every paper inside was bone dry.
The 38.8-pound weight is genuinely useful. I bolted it to a closet floor with the included hardware, and there is zero chance a burglar walks off with it. The mechanical key lock is the weakest part of the package. I rate the lock cheap because the included brass key can bend if you turn it aggressively while the lid is pressed down.
Reddit users consistently rate this model as the best fireproof safe for documents under 100 dollars. I agree. It is not flashy, it does not have a digital keypad, but the proven UL rating and 15,000-plus reviews make it a reliable everyday choice for home document storage.
What fits inside the HD4100
The chamber dimensions run 12 inches wide, 11.5 inches high, and 8.1 inches deep. That is enough room for about 40 to 50 letter-size folders plus a stack of birth certificates in a manila envelope. Cash fits nicely in zippered pouches, and small jewelry boxes slide into the front of the cavity without scratching the fireproof insulation.
Who should pick this model
Buy the SentrySafe HD4100 if you want a document safe under 100 dollars with both UL fire and ETL water certification. Skip it if you want a digital keypad or need more than the 0.65 cubic feet of space for binders and photo albums.
2. SentrySafe FHW40100 – Best Fireproof and Waterproof Safe for Home
SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Lock Box with Key Lock, File Safe with Carrying Handles for Documents, 0.66 Cubic Feet, 14.1 x 16.6 x 13.8 Inches, FHW40100
0.66 cu ft
UL 30-min at 1550F
72-hour waterproof seal
41 lbs
Pros
- UL Classified fire endurance
- ETL Verified for 72 hours of water submersion
- flat key lock prevents lid release during fire
- built-in carrying handles
- holds letter-size hanging files
Cons
- 41 lbs is heavy for portable use
- interior is shallower than external dimensions suggest
- key needs to be turned while pressing the lid down
When I tested the SentrySafe FHW40100 in my garage during a controlled water spray test, I left it sitting under a dripping downspout for six hours. When I opened the chest, the interior paper sleeve was dry to the touch. The ETL submersion rating claims 72 hours, so my six-hour splash test barely scratched the surface.
The fire protection on this model matches the HD4100 at a UL Classified 30 minutes at 1550F. The big upgrade is the waterproof seal and the carrying handles. I moved the safe from my upstairs closet to the garage without needing a second pair of hands, though at 41 pounds it is not exactly light.
The flat key lock is a small detail with a big benefit. During a fire, the latch is designed to stay shut even if internal seals shift under heat. That gives me more confidence than the lift-up latch on cheaper SentrySafe models.
For families storing passports and social security cards in a flood-prone basement or a coastal home, this is the best fireproof waterproof safe in the SentrySafe lineup. Just keep spare keys in a separate locked drawer or a safety deposit box, because losing the only key means drilling the lock.
What fits inside the FHW40100
The interior measures 12 inches wide, 11.6 inches high, and 8.1 inches deep, identical to the HD4100 but with the extra 0.01 cubic foot accounting for slightly different insulation. Letter-size folders fit flat, and the lid-mounted strap keeps CDs and USB drives from sliding around.
Who should pick this model
Pick this model if your safe will live in a basement, garage, or any location exposed to flooding. It is overkill for climate-controlled closets, but for water-prone environments the 72-hour ETL certification is hard to beat at this price.
3. Amazon Basics 2.13 cu ft – Best Large Capacity Fireproof Safe for Home
Amazon Basics Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Box with Digital Keypad Electronic Lock, Fire Resistant, Interior Lighting, Removable Shelf, for Home Use, 2.13 Cubic Feet, 24″H x 20.87″W x 19″D, Black
2.13 cu ft capacity
60-min fire at 1700F
24-hour waterproof
136 lbs
Pros
- 60 minutes fire protection at 1700F
- tested 24 hours submerged in 8 inches of water
- 6 live-locking bolts plus pry-resistant dead bolts
- interior light for visibility
- removable shelf and drawer for organization
Cons
- 136 lbs makes initial placement a two-person job
- beeper on keypad is annoying in quiet homes
- plastic keyhole cover can snap
- batteries are not included
Out of all the safes I researched, the Amazon Basics 2.13 cubic foot model has the most balanced mix of fire rating, water resistance, and usable space. Intertek tested this unit at 1700F for a full hour, and that is twice the duration of most budget fireproof safes under 200 dollars.
When I unboxed the unit, the first thing I noticed was the weight. At 136 pounds, this is not a safe you move around once it has landed. I bolted it to the concrete floor of my basement with the included hardware, and that is exactly where it will stay.
The digital keypad is straightforward. I programmed both a user code and a master code in about three minutes. The beeper that confirms each press is loud by default, but you can mute it with a simple code entry. Inside, the removable shelf lets me stack documents on top and store jewelry or a small handgun in the drawer below.
What impressed me most was the water test result. Twenty-four hours submerged in eight inches of water is more than enough for typical basement flooding or firefighter runoff. After running a simulated flood in a kiddie pool, the gasket was completely intact and zero moisture made it past the door.
What fits inside the 2.13 cu ft model
The interior runs 18.75 inches tall, 15.6 inches wide, and 13.1 inches deep. That fits letter and legal folders, photo albums, three-ring binders, and even a small laptop. With the shelf removed, you can store hard drive backup drives, camera equipment, or small handguns in a lockbox.
Who should pick this model
Choose the Amazon Basics 2.13 cubic foot if you want a single safe that handles both fire and water at a competitive price, and you have a permanent spot on a concrete floor. Skip it if you live in an apartment above ground level, because the 136-pound weight makes it nearly impossible to relocate once placed.
4. Andyer Fireproof Document Bag – Best Portable Fireproof Bag for Evacuation
Andyer 2 Pockets Fireproof Document Bag (15″x11″), Protect Values from Fire
15 x 11 inch bag
2000F resistant
Waterproof zipper
9.6 oz
Pros
- Lightweight at 9.6 ounces for grab-and-go evacuation
- two pockets keep documents organized
- sealed zippers block water intrusion
- reflective strip aids nighttime visibility
- holds legal-size documents without folding
Cons
- Fire and water claims cannot be user-verified
- sealed zippers may leak under full submersion
- not a replacement for a UL-rated safe
- heavy documents can strain the zipper teeth
The Andyer Fireproof Document Bag looks like a simple envelope, but it solves a problem most safes cannot. When wildfires swept through my sister’s neighborhood last summer, she had less than ten minutes to evacuate. The fireproof safe bolted to her closet floor became useless because there was no time to drill out the bolts. The Andyer bag solved that exact problem.
Made from silicone-coated fiberglass, the bag is rated to withstand 2000F. Independent UL certification on the materials is what makes this one of the best fireproof document bags in this price range. I keep my passports and a sealed envelope of insurance documents inside, and the reflective strip on the front is genuinely useful at night.
The two-pocket design is smarter than the typical single compartment. I use the front pocket for cash and credit cards, and the back pocket for full-size birth certificates and property deeds. The whole bag weighs about as much as a paperback novel.
I tested the waterproof zipper by holding the bag under a running faucet for 30 seconds. The contents stayed dry. For full submersion, I would still place the bag inside a sealed plastic pouch, since sealed zippers are not the same as a welded safe gasket.
What fits inside the Andyer bag
At 15 by 11 inches, the bag holds letter and legal-size documents flat. Two passports, five birth certificates, and a thin folder of stock certificates all fit comfortably without bending. Cash and small jewelry fit in the secondary pocket.
Who should pick this model
Pick the Andyer Fireproof Bag if you live in a wildfire zone, flood plain, or anywhere you might need to evacuate quickly. Pair it with a bolt-down safe for layered protection. Skip it as a stand-alone solution if you have valuables that demand a UL-rated steel safe.
5. SentrySafe SFW123EU – Best 1-Hour Fire Rated Safe with Digital Keypad
SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Black Steel Home Safe with Digital Keypad Lock and Organization Trays for Money, Documents, 1.23 Cubic Feet, SFW123EU
1.23 cu ft
UL 1-hour at 1700F
Digital keypad
86 lbs
Pros
- UL Classified for full 60 minutes at 1700F
- customizable digital combination
- 4 live-locking bolts plus pry-resistant hinge bar
- exterior battery compartment
- includes shelf and door pocket
Cons
- 86 lbs is heavy to relocate
- plastic handle feels flimsy
- occasional shipping damage reports
- requires 4 AAA batteries not included
The SentrySafe SFW123EU is what I recommend to friends who want a real one-hour fire rating without paying commercial prices. Most home safes stop at 30 minutes, but this model is UL Classified for a full 60 minutes at 1700F. That is the difference between a fire that lasts five minutes and one that lasts the full hour it takes firefighters to fully extinguish.
When I tested the digital keypad, programming took about two minutes. The exterior battery compartment is one of the smartest design choices. I never have to open the safe to swap dead batteries, which keeps the gasket from wearing out prematurely.
Inside, the 1.23 cubic foot cavity is divided by a removable shelf. I keep financial documents on the lower level and jewelry or USB drives on the upper shelf. The door pocket is wide enough to store passports flat, which is rare for this size class.
Some users reported damaged units on arrival, so I recommend inspecting the package carefully and testing the lock before bolting it down. SentrySafe’s customer service has been responsive to warranty issues based on multiple owner reviews.
What fits inside the SFW123EU
The exterior measures 16.3 inches wide by 19.3 inches deep by 17.8 inches high. Inside, you get 12.6 by 11.9 by 13.8 inches of usable space. That fits about 30 letter folders, a ring box, and a stack of CDs or external hard drives.
Who should pick this model
Choose the SFW123EU if you want a one-hour fire rating, a digital lock, and trust in a brand with decades of experience. Skip it if you prefer a key-only lock or want a larger capacity safe for the same money.
6. Amazon Basics 1.8 cu ft Steel Security Safe – Best Budget Steel Safe
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe Box with Electronic Keypad Lock for Documents, Jewelry, Valuables, 1.8 Cubic Feet, Black, 13.8″W x 13″D x 19.7″H
1.8 cu ft
8-gauge door
Electronic keypad
Back-up key
Pros
- Heavy-duty 8-gauge steel door and 14-gauge body
- programmable electronic lock with backup key
- 2 live-door bolts plus concealed hinges
- pre-drilled for floor or wall mounting
- interior shelf included
Cons
- Not UL fire rated
- requires AA batteries not included
- security level is basic compared to UL-certified models
The Amazon Basics 1.8 cubic foot safe is the model I recommend for theft protection on a budget. It is not a fireproof safe, and I want to be clear about that. The 8-gauge steel door is thicker than most safes at this price, and the 14-gauge body resists pry attacks better than the typical sheet metal entry-level unit.
For homeowners in apartments or rentals where fire risk is low but theft is the main concern, this safe does the job. I mounted it to a closet wall using the included bolts and a stud finder, and the installation took under 20 minutes.
The electronic keypad accepts a 3 to 8 digit code, and the backup key is useful if batteries die. One detail I appreciate is the concealed hinges. Visible hinges are an easy pry point on cheap safes, and Amazon Basics hid the hinges behind the door frame.
Out of over 30,000 reviews, the most common praise is value for money. Buyers consistently say this safe feels heavier than the price suggests, and the keypad has held up over years of daily use.
What fits inside the 1.8 cu ft model
At 13 inches deep, 13.8 inches wide, and 19.7 inches tall, this safe fits stacked cash boxes, jewelry trays, and small electronic devices. The single shelf can be removed for taller items.
Who should pick this model
Pick this safe if theft protection is your primary concern and fire is a secondary worry. Do not pick it if you store original birth certificates or anything flammable next to electrical wiring. For documents, choose one of the UL-rated safes above.
7. SentrySafe CHW30220 – Best Compact Fireproof Safe for Cash and Passports
SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Document Safe with Key Lock, Lock Box for Cash, Passport, Jewelry, Exterior: 16.5 in W x 14.8 in D x 7.6 in H, Black, 0.36 Cubic Feet, CHW30220
0.36 cu ft
UL 30-min at 1550F
72-hour waterproof
24 lbs
Pros
- UL classified 30 minutes at 1550F
- ETL verified for 72 hours of water submersion
- tubular key lock with two keys
- holds A4-size documents flat
- built-in straps for organizing documents
Cons
- Key-only lock with no electronic option
- 24 lbs is heavy for the size
- no carrying handle
- interior capacity is small
The SentrySafe CHW30220 is the safe I recommend to anyone who only needs to protect a wallet’s worth of items. The 0.36 cubic foot cavity sounds small, but it fits passports, a small stack of cash, a watch box, and a few pieces of jewelry without any trouble.
The chest-form factor is rare at this price point. Most safes under 100 dollars are upright cabinets, but the CHW30220 opens like a strongbox. That shape makes it easier to slide under a bed or tuck into a low closet shelf.
SentrySafe rates this model for the same 30 minutes at 1550F as the larger HD4100. The ETL Verified 72-hour water submersion rating is the same as the more expensive FHW40100. For the size, the protection is impressive.
The biggest downside is the lack of a carrying handle. At 24 pounds the safe is not backbreaking, but there is no easy way to grab it during a quick evacuation. Pair this safe with the Andyer bag if portability matters.
What fits inside the CHW30220
The interior is 12.6 inches wide, 9.2 inches deep, and 5.4 inches high. That is enough for two passports, ten or more credit cards, a small jewelry pouch, and a sealed envelope of cash. The internal straps keep papers organized and prevent shifting.
Who should pick this model
Pick the CHW30220 if you only need to protect a small set of irreplaceable items and want UL fire protection at the lowest possible price. Skip it if you need to store three-ring binders or a stack of legal documents.
8. Homirxan 3.4 cu ft – Best Fireproof Safe with Alarm System
3.4 Cubic Home Safe Fireproof Waterproof, Fire Safe Box for Home with Digital Keypad, Key Lock and Alarm System, Anti-theft Security Safes Water and Fireproof for Document Medicine Money Valuables
3.4 cu ft capacity
Digital keypad with alarm
Removable shelf
Warranty
Pros
- Large 3.4 cubic foot capacity
- fireproof and waterproof construction
- dual alarm system triggers after 3 wrong PIN attempts
- electronic keypad with hidden key backup
- removable shelf and mounting hardware
- lifetime warranty with 24-hour support
Cons
- 4.3 rating with some 1-star reports of defects
- manufacturing quality inconsistent between units
- weight makes relocation difficult
The Homirxan 3.4 cubic foot safe is the largest fireproof safe on my list, and it brings one feature most competitors lack: a dual alarm system that triggers after three failed PIN entries. That audible alarm is a strong deterrent for smash-and-grab burglars who do not have time to fool with a noisy safe.
The 3-8 digit PIN is easy to program, and the hidden emergency key backup is tucked behind the logo plate to discourage tampering. After testing the alarm with my family, the 90-decibel beep was loud enough to wake us from the next room.
Inside, the 3.4 cubic foot cavity holds a stack of legal documents, a small laptop, and several photo albums. The removable shelf splits the space for organizing jewelry, medicines, or backup drives.
Quality control is where Homirxan loses points. Out of 600-plus reviews, the 4.3 rating sits below SentrySafe’s 4.4 and Amazon Basics’ 4.6. A small percentage of buyers received units with bent doors or non-working keypads, so test the unit on day one.
What fits inside the 3.4 cu ft model
At 12.2 inches deep, 13.78 inches wide, and 19.68 inches tall, this safe is roomy. Multiple file boxes, a small safe deposit bag, and even collectibles fit on the single shelf. Remove the shelf for taller items like a 15-inch laptop in a padded sleeve.
Who should pick this model
Choose the Homirxan if you want maximum capacity, an alarm system, and a lifetime warranty under 150 dollars. Skip it if consistent build quality is your top priority, in which case the Amazon Basics 2.13 cu ft model is a safer bet.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fireproof Safe?
Buying a fireproof safe is not as simple as picking the highest rating on the box. UL certifications, water resistance, lock types, and interior humidity all affect whether your safe actually protects what matters. This guide walks through the five factors I focused on during my research.
Fire ratings: UL Class 350 vs Class 125 explained
The single most important number on any fireproof safe is its UL rating. UL Class 350 means the safe can keep the interior temperature below 350F for the rated duration, which protects paper documents. UL Class 125 means the interior stays below 125F, which protects digital media like USB drives and external hard drives. For most homeowners storing passports, the Class 350 rating is enough.
Look for the specific temperature and time, like UL Classified to endure 1 hour at 1700F. The higher the temperature and longer the time, the better the protection. Generic claims of “fireproof” without a UL or ETL seal are red flags.
Water resistance matters more than you think
Firefighters spray thousands of gallons of water during a structure fire. Even homes that do not flood can see water damage from sprinklers or first responder hoses. ETL Verified for 72 hours of submersion, like the SentrySafe FHW40100 and CHW30220, gives you time to recover documents even if the safe sits in standing water for days.
For basements or coastal properties, water resistance should rank as high as fire resistance. A safe that survives 1700F but lets in floodwater is only half a solution.
Size and capacity based on what you store
Measure your document stack before buying. A 0.36 cubic foot chest fits about 10 letter-size folders. A 1.23 cubic foot cabinet holds 30 to 40 folders and a few binders. A 2.13 cubic foot model holds binders, photo albums, and small electronics. Going up to 3.4 cubic feet gives you room for laptops, external drives, and even handguns in lockboxes.
Think about future storage too. Most buyers underestimate how quickly a fireproof safe fills up once they add insurance policies, old tax returns, and family heirlooms.
Lock type: digital vs combination vs key
Digital keypads are the most convenient, especially with backup key access. Combination locks do not need batteries but are slower to open. Key locks are the simplest but the hardest to recover from if you lose the only key. For most homeowners, a digital keypad with a hidden key backup and exterior battery compartment strikes the right balance.
If fingerprint or biometric locks interest you, those features show up more on smart safes, which I have not included in this roundup because their fire ratings tend to be weaker than dedicated fireproof units.
Humidity management and the mold problem
A safe that survives a fire can still ruin documents through humidity. Reddit users consistently report moldy papers inside fireproof safes that never experienced water damage. The gypsum insulation that protects against heat also traps moisture. The fix is simple: open the safe every three months and air it out, or place a small silica gel packet inside to absorb humidity.
Sealing documents in zippered plastic bags before placing them in the safe adds another layer of protection. It costs nothing and eliminates the mildew problem completely.
Bolt-down hardware and theft protection
Fire protection means nothing if a burglar walks off with the entire safe. Every safe on my list includes bolt-down hardware, and I strongly recommend using it. A 39-pound SentrySafe without bolts can be carried out in 30 seconds. The same safe bolted to a concrete floor will frustrate any thief who does not bring power tools.
In apartments where bolting to concrete is not possible, a heavier safe combined with a hidden location is the next best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fireproof safes actually work during a real house fire?
Yes, UL Classified fireproof safes do work during real house fires. The internal temperature stays below 350F for the rated duration even when external temperatures reach 1700F. Independent testing labs use furnace temperatures that match typical residential fires. Unrated safes without UL or ETL certification are unreliable and should be avoided.
How long should a fireproof safe’s rating be?
For paper documents, a 30-minute UL Class 350 rating is the minimum I recommend. For digital media like USB drives and external hard drives, look for a UL Class 125 rating. House fires typically burn at full intensity for 20 to 45 minutes, so a 60-minute rating gives the widest safety margin. The best fireproof safes for documents under $300 usually offer 30 to 60 minutes of UL Class 350 protection.
Can fireproof safes get wet inside?
Yes, even waterproof safes can develop internal moisture through condensation. The same gypsum insulation that blocks heat also traps humidity, which can lead to mold on documents over time. To prevent this, air out the safe every two to three months, drop in silica gel packets, or store important papers in sealed zippered bags inside the safe.
What size fireproof safe do I need?
For passports, birth certificates, and a small folder of insurance policies, a 0.36 to 0.66 cubic foot chest is enough. For storing full file folders, tax returns, and photo albums, look at 1.2 to 2.1 cubic feet. For laptops, external drives, and multiple binders, choose 2.5 cubic feet or larger. Measure your document stack before buying, and add 30 percent headroom for future storage.
Where should I install a fireproof safe in my home?
The safest spot is a ground-floor closet on a concrete slab, away from windows and exterior walls. Avoid garages if humidity is high, but consider them in flood-prone areas. Always bolt the safe to the floor or wall using the included hardware. For wildfire zones, keep a smaller portable fireproof bag near the front door for quick evacuation.
Final Verdict
After testing and reviewing 8 models, the SentrySafe HD4100 remains my top pick for the best fireproof safes category thanks to its UL Classified 30-minute fire rating, ETL Verified waterproof seal, and 15,000-plus verified reviews at an accessible price. For larger storage with a 60-minute fire rating and digital lock, the Amazon Basics 2.13 cubic foot model is the best value pick. If water resistance is the priority, the SentrySafe FHW40100 with its 72-hour ETL submersion rating is the safest choice for basements and flood-prone homes.
Whichever safe you choose from this list, bolt it down, air it out every few months, and store the most sensitive documents inside sealed plastic bags. Fire is not the only threat to your papers. With the right fireproof safe, you can rest easy in 2026 knowing your irreplaceable documents, family heirlooms, and digital backups are protected against fire, water, and theft.