A heat-resistant apparatus comprising a plurality of rigid, fireproof panels mounted to an inner surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS) of an aircraft thrust reverser. The plurality of panels may include fixed panels and floating panels, with the fixed panels fastened directly to the IFS and the floating panels fastened to the fixed panels in a substantially checkered arrangement along the inner surface of the IFS. The fixed and floating panels may each comprise a rigid core surrounded by various fireproof or heat resistant materials. The fixed and floating panels may be configured and affixed to the IFS such that air from an engine's fan may flow through a space between the panels and the IFS, providing additional cooling and heat resistance.