Fires often begin quietly.
A pan left unattended, a small bin igniting, clothing catching a flame - it only takes seconds for a small fire to become a disaster. In these situations, your response is everything.
This is where a fire blanket becomes your most vital tool.
You've probably seen a fire blanket before. They're a familiar sight in commercial kitchens and increasingly common in homes, as well. But while many people know where fire blankets are kept, fewer are confident about when to use one, how to use it safely, and when it's better not to.
This guide explains everything you need to know.
How Fire Blankets Work
Fires need three things to burn:
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Heat
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Fuel
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Oxygen
This is known as the "fire triangle." If you remove just one of these elements, the fire will die out.
Fire blankets are designed to cut off oxygen. Made from fire-resistant materials such as woven fibreglass or specially coated textiles, they can be carefully laid over a fire to smother the flames. That makes them ideal for small, contained fires.
Unlike fire extinguishers, fire blankets are:
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Easy to use and quick to deploy
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Don't use chemicals
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Don't discharge forcefully or leave behind a messy residue
That said, fire blankets are not a replacement for fire extinguishers.
When Should You Use a Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are best used when the fire is small, localised, and safe to approach. They work best on flat surfaces where the flames can be fully covered, or when used as a "lid" to stifle flames inside a container.
Fires that can usually be tackled with a fire blanket include:
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Food or grease burning in a pan or baking tray
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Oil or fat burning on a hob or countertop
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Small solid fires on a work surface
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Waste bin fires
When used in grease fires, only use a blanket if the flames can be extinguished in one swift, controlled movement.
Use extra care with deep fat fryers that use a large volume of oil. These fires are more dangerous because hot oil can splash, causing serious burns or spreading the fire.
If a deep fryer fire is large, aggressive, or producing heavy flames, do not attempt to use a fire blanket. The safest course of action is to evacuate immediately and call the fire service.
In extreme situations, fire blankets can also be used as a shield when escaping a fire, though only if no safer route is available.
Fire Blanket for EV Car
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, EV car fire blankets are becoming essential safety gear for car parks, charging stations, and public places.
Lithium-ion battery fires are intensely hot and self-oxidising, meaning the fire feeds itself. Because of this, an EV fire blanket is used to isolate the fire, contain toxic smoke, and lower the external temperature so firefighters can get closer.
Barbon’s EV car fire blankets are engineered for these situations. They can withstand temperatures exceeding 1000°C and are reusable if not torn, though they must be professionally inspected and cleaned of soot after every incident.
Due to their sheer size and weight (often over 25kg), they must be deployed by two people.
When Not to Use a Fire Blanket
Do not use a fire blanket if:
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The fire is spreading rapidly.
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Flames are higher than you can reach safely.
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You would need to throw the blanket to reach the fire. If you miss, you lose control of the situation and may not be able to retrieve it safely.
Again, if a fire feels too hot or too dangerous to approach, leave ASAP and call the fire brigade.
How to Safely Use a Fire Blanket
Using a fire blanket effectively requires both speed and proper technique. After you've assessed that the fire is small and contained, follow these steps:
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Firmly tug the two pull-tapes to release the blanket and unfold it fully.
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Wrap the top edges of the blanket back over your hands. You should now be holding the blanket like a shield, with your hands and forearms tucked safely.
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Starting from the edge closest to you, lay the blanket gently over the fire in one smooth, forward motion.
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If the fire is on a stove (or other heat source), turn the heat off immediately.
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Once the blanket is down, your job is to wait. Do not lift a corner to check the flames; letting in oxygen while the fuel is still hot can cause the fire to reignite.
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Leave the blanket in place for 30–60 minutes until completely cold. Dispose of it afterwards.
Fire blankets are also effective for burning clothes. If someone's clothes catch fire:
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Wrap the fire blanket firmly around them.
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Have them drop to the floor and roll.
For EV fire blankets:
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Always approach from the upwind side so toxic smoke blows away from you.
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Two people stand at one end of the vehicle, each holding a deployment handle.
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Walk toward the opposite end of the car, pulling the blanket over the roof of the vehicle.
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Secure the edges to the ground to contain heat and gases.
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Move to a safe distance and wait for the fire responders.
Where to Install Fire Blankets
Your fire blanket must be positioned so it's accessible, visible, and most importantly, not blocked by the fire itself.
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Mount the blanket in the same room as the fire hazard, ideally within 10m of the risk area.
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Never mount the blanket above a stove or heating appliance.
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Position the blanket at around shoulder height, approximately 1.5m from the floor.
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Use signage if the blanket isn't immediately visible.
Maintenance Tips
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Ensure the pull-tapes are unobstructed and dangling freely.
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Wipe the exterior casing occasionally. Airborne grease can make the container slippery and difficult to open.
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Regularly inspect for damage.
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Check the manufacturer's "replace by" (typically every 5 to 7 years).
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fires are fire blankets used for?
Fire blankets are usually designed for Class F (cooking oils and fats) and Class A (solid materials like paper, wood, or fabric) fires.
Can I reuse fire blankets?
No. Fire blankets certified to BS EN 1869 are strictly single-use. Replace after first use, even if it looks undamaged, as the fibres have already been compromised by heat.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know when to use a fire blanket, it's clear why they're crucial in everyday fire safety. Fire blankets are simple, reliable, and particularly effective for small, contained fires. Used correctly, they can reduce damage and give people time to react safely.
