When it comes to fire safety, having the right tools on hand can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating blaze. Two of the most common firefighting tools available for homes and workplaces are fire blankets and fire extinguishers. But they’re not interchangeable — each has specific uses, strengths, and limitations.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between fire blankets and fire extinguishers, and help you understand exactly when to use which.
What Is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material, typically made from woven glass fibre, designed to smother small fires. By cutting off the oxygen supply, the blanket can extinguish flames quickly and cleanly.
Best used for:
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Pan fires (chip pans, frying pans)
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Clothing fires
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Small surface fires
Not suitable for:
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Large fires
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Fires involving flammable gases or pressurised containers
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Electrical fires (unless specified as suitable)
What Is a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is a pressurised device that releases a specific firefighting agent, such as foam, CO₂, dry powder, or water mist, to control and extinguish different types of fires. Each type is designed for particular fire classes (A, B, C, D, F, and electrical).
Best used for:
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Fires involving paper, wood, textiles (Class A)
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Flammable liquids like petrol or oil (Class B)
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Electrical fires (CO₂ or dry powder types)
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Kitchen fires involving oils (wet chemical extinguishers)
Not suitable for:
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Fires that are already too large to tackle safely
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Situations where you’re unsure of the fire source or extinguisher type
Fire Blanket vs. Fire Extinguisher: Key Differences
| Feature | Fire Blanket | Fire Extinguisher |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very simple | Slight learning curve |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Requires regular servicing |
| Mess/Cleanup | No mess | Can be messy depending on the agent |
| Target Fires | Cooking/oil fires, clothing | Variety of fire types, including electrical and flammable liquids |
| Reusability | Single-use (in most cases) | Typically reusable after refilling or recharging |
Fire Blanket Use Case: Kitchen Fires
One of the most common and dangerous household fires involves oil or grease in the kitchen. Throwing water on a chip pan fire can make it explode, but a fire blanket is designed to safely cover the pan and cut off oxygen.
If someone’s clothing catches fire, the blanket can also be wrapped around them to smother the flames. For these reasons, a fire blanket is an essential part of any kitchen fire safety setup.
Fire Extinguisher Use Case: Office or Workshop Fires
In settings where electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or combustible materials are present, fire extinguishers offer the versatility and power to tackle more complex fires.
For example:
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A CO₂ extinguisher is ideal for server rooms and electrical fires.
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A foam extinguisher works well in workshops and garages.
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A wet chemical extinguisher is effective against deep fat fryer fires (Class F).
Which One Should You Have?
Both. Ideally, your fire safety plan should include both a fire blanket and one or more appropriate fire extinguishers. They serve different roles and provide the best protection when used together.
For homes:
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Install a fire blanket in the kitchen.
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Keep a small, multi-purpose (e.g. dry powder or foam) extinguisher nearby.
For businesses:
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Follow your fire risk assessment.
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Ensure extinguishers are the correct type for the risks present.
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Place fire blankets in kitchens or food preparation areas.
Final Tips
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Train everyone in the household or workplace on how to use fire blankets and extinguishers.
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Check expiry dates and servicing tags regularly.
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Never put yourself at risk — if a fire grows beyond control, evacuate and call 999 immediately.
At Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy, we offer expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures. Contact us today on 07585 896648 for more information.