Which items are essential to take into a deployed fire shelter?

In the context of deployed fire shelters, the most essential items are those that contribute to personal safety and protection during a wildfire emergency. A hard hat and gloves are particularly important because they provide necessary protection from falling debris and potential heat exposure while inside the fire shelter. The fire shelter itself is designed to shield firefighters from extreme heat and flames, but having a hard hat helps mitigate injury from any potential hazards falling from above, while gloves can protect hands from burns and facilitate handling equipment safely.

The other options, while they may be useful in certain contexts, do not directly support safety within the fire shelter environment in as crucial a manner as hard hats and gloves do. The role of a fire shelter is primarily to provide immediate protection from the fire, so the emphasis is on items that enhance that safety while minimizing direct risks. A first aid kit, water and food supply, or flashlight and batteries may have importance in broader fire management operations but are secondary to the protective gear required when taking cover in a fire shelter.