We needed to protect our family room carpet from the embers from our fireplace. About the middle of January, we sat enjoying the fire when an ember jumped through the  screen in front if the fire and sat glowing on the new carpet in front off it.  Fortunately we were right there. We were able to put out the glow from the ember and see no visible damage to the rug. Another time we could be napping or watching tv and miss the arrival of an ember until it has already left a burn mark.  Thus, this is a welcome addition to our living space.