Fire Blankets: What Are They and How to Use Them
Fire Blankets: What Are They and How to Use Them
A fire blanket is one of the simplest yet most effective fire safety tools you can have in your home. Unlike fire extinguishers, fire blankets require no training to use, leave no messy residue, and never need recharging. They are particularly effective in kitchens for smothering oil fires and can also be wrapped around a person whose clothing has caught fire. This guide explains everything you need to know about fire blankets.
What Is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material designed to smother small fires by cutting off their oxygen supply. They are typically made from woven fiberglass or treated wool that can withstand high temperatures without melting or burning. Fire blankets are stored in quick-release pouches that allow for rapid deployment during an emergency. They are passive fire safety devices that do not require any mechanical operation or chemical discharge.
Fire blankets work on the simple principle of oxygen deprivation. By covering a fire completely, the blanket prevents oxygen from reaching the flames, causing the fire to suffocate and die. This makes them particularly effective for Class B fires (flammable liquids like cooking oil) and Class A fires (solid combustibles like paper and cloth).
When to Use a Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are ideal for specific situations where fire extinguishers may not be the best option. Here are the most common uses:
Kitchen Oil Fires: A pan of hot oil catching fire is a common kitchen emergency. A fire blanket is the best tool for this situation. Simply drape the blanket over the pan to smother the flames. Unlike fire extinguishers, the blanket will not spread the burning oil or splash it around the kitchen.
Clothing Fires: If a person clothing catches fire, wrapping them in a fire blanket immediately smothers the flames. The Stop, Drop, and Roll technique works, but a fire blanket is faster and more effective. The blanket also provides some protection from heat while the person is being helped.
Small Wastebasket Fires: A fire in a small trash can or wastebasket can be smothered easily with a fire blanket. The blanket will contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby items.
Fire as an Escape Shield: In an extreme situation, a fire blanket can be wrapped around yourself or a loved one to provide protective shielding while moving through a smoke-filled or flame-affected area. The blanket reflects radiant heat and provides a few precious seconds of protection.
How to Use a Fire Blanket
Using a fire blanket is simple, but knowing the correct technique before an emergency is crucial. Follow these steps:
- Pull the tabs or straps to release the blanket from its storage pouch
- Hold the blanket in front of you as a shield, with the protective layer facing toward the fire
- Cover your hands by wrapping the top corners of the blanket around them for protection
- Approach the fire carefully, keeping the blanket between you and the flames
- Gently lay the blanket over the fire, starting from the nearest edge and moving away from you
- Ensure the blanket completely covers the burning item, including the sides
- Turn off the heat source (gas stove or burner) if safe to do so
- Leave the blanket in place until the area has completely cooled. Do not lift the blanket to check if the fire is out
- If the fire is larger than the blanket or is spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately and call the fire department
For a person whose clothing is on fire: Have them Stop, Drop, and Roll, then wrap the fire blanket around them tightly to smother the flames. Call for medical help immediately after extinguishing the fire.
Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher
Both fire blankets and fire extinguishers have their place in home fire safety. Here is a comparison to help you decide which to use:
- Fire blankets are simpler to use and require no training. Anyone in the family, including elderly members and older children, can use a fire blanket effectively
- Fire blankets leave no residue and require no cleanup. Fire extinguishers, especially dry powder types, leave a messy residue
- Fire blankets never need recharging or maintenance, unlike fire extinguishers that need regular servicing and pressure checks
- Fire extinguishers can handle larger fires and a wider range of fire classes. Fire blankets are best for small, contained fires
- Fire blankets are reusable if not damaged, while extinguishers need to be replaced after use
- Fire blankets cost significantly less than fire extinguishers, making them accessible for every budget
For comprehensive home protection, Oust Fire recommends having both a fire blanket and an ABC dry powder fire extinguisher in your home. Use the fire blanket for quick, clean suppression of kitchen fires, and keep the extinguisher for larger or electrical fires.
Where to Place Fire Blankets in Your Home
Strategic placement ensures you can access the fire blanket quickly during an emergency:
- Kitchen: Mount the fire blanket on the wall near the kitchen exit, away from the stove. It should be easily reachable but not in an area that could be blocked by fire
- Near the stove: If you have space, keep a small fire blanket within arm reach of the cooking area
- Bedroom: Keep a fire blanket in the master bedroom for nighttime emergencies and clothing fires
- Living room: If you use candles, diyas, or a fireplace, keep a fire blanket nearby
Fire Blanket Maintenance
Fire blankets require minimal maintenance but a few simple steps will keep them ready for use:
- Inspect the blanket monthly for any damage, tears, or wear
- Ensure the storage pouch is sealed and the blanket is not exposed to moisture
- Keep the blanket in its original packaging until needed
- Replace the blanket if it has been used to extinguish a fire, as the heat may have damaged the fire-resistant coating
- Replace any blanket that is more than 5-7 years old, as the materials can degrade over time
- Do not wash the blanket as this can damage the fire-resistant properties
Fire blankets are an affordable, easy-to-use, and highly effective fire safety tool. Add an Oust Fire fire blanket to your home safety kit today. It could save your life or the life of a loved one during a kitchen fire emergency.
Also read: Kitchen Fire Safety Guide and Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses.
