Fire safety equipment comes in many forms, from fire extinguishers to smoke alarms, but one often overlooked yet highly effective tool is the fire blanket. Fire blankets are simple to use and can be life-saving in certain fire situations, particularly in kitchens or when clothing catches fire. Understanding how fire blankets work and knowing when to use them is essential for ensuring fire safety in homes and businesses alike.
In this blog, we’ll explore how fire blankets function, the types of fires they are best suited for, and practical guidance on when and how to use them effectively.
How Fire Blankets Work
A fire blanket is made from fire-resistant materials, such as woven glass fibre or Kevlar, which can withstand extremely high temperatures. The blanket is designed to smother small fires by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, which is essential for combustion. Without oxygen, the fire is extinguished.
The science behind fire blankets is straightforward: fires need heat, fuel, and oxygen to keep burning. When a fire blanket is placed over the flames, it creates an airtight seal, depriving the fire of the oxygen it needs to sustain itself. This method of fire suppression is especially useful for dealing with small fires that are confined to a particular area or object, such as a pan on the stove or a person’s clothing.
Where Should Fire Blankets Be Installed?
Fire blankets are most commonly installed in kitchens, as cooking-related fires are one of the leading causes of household fires in the UK. However, they can be beneficial in other settings as well, including:
- Garages and workshops: Where fuel, chemicals, and flammable materials may be present.
- Laboratories and educational facilities: Where the risk of small fires may arise from experiments or chemical reactions.
- Home kitchens: Where they can be easily accessed in the event of a stovetop fire.
The fire blanket should be mounted on the wall, close to potential fire sources but away from direct heat, so it can be quickly and easily accessed in an emergency.
When to Use a Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are most effective in dealing with specific types of fires. Here’s when you should use one:
- Kitchen Fires (Oil and Grease Fires)
One of the most common uses of a fire blanket is to extinguish kitchen fires, particularly those involving oil or grease, such as a frying pan catching fire on the hob. Water should never be used on oil fires, as it can cause the flames to spread dangerously. Instead, using a fire blanket is the safest way to smother the flames.
How to use the fire blanket in a kitchen fire:
- First, turn off the heat source if it’s safe to do so.
- Pull the fire blanket from its case and hold it by the corners, keeping your hands protected.
- Approach the fire slowly, ensuring the blanket covers the flames completely. Drape it gently over the fire to smother it.
- Leave the blanket in place for at least 30 minutes to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and the temperature has dropped.
- Clothing Fires
If a person’s clothing catches fire, a fire blanket can be used to put out the flames quickly and effectively, preventing further injury. This is a common scenario in kitchens or work environments where open flames are present.
How to use the fire blanket in a clothing fire:
- Wrap the blanket around the person whose clothing is on fire.
- Ensure the blanket completely covers the flames to smother them.
- After the fire is extinguished, remove the blanket carefully and check the person for injuries or burns. Seek medical help immediately if needed.
- Small Contained Fires
Fire blankets can also be used for small contained fires that are confined to a single object, such as a waste bin or a small appliance fire. If the fire is small and manageable, a fire blanket can be an effective way to prevent it from spreading.
How to use the fire blanket for small fires:
- Assess the fire to ensure it is small enough to be tackled with a blanket.
- Follow the same process as with kitchen fires: pull the blanket over the fire, ensuring it covers the flames completely.
- Once the fire is out, leave the blanket in place to prevent reignition.
When Not to Use a Fire Blanket
While fire blankets are highly effective for certain types of fires, there are situations where they should not be used:
- Large Fires: If a fire has spread beyond a small, contained area, a fire blanket will not be sufficient. In these cases, evacuate the premises and call the fire service immediately.
- Electrical Fires: While fire blankets can be used on small appliance fires, they are not the best option for larger electrical fires, particularly if the power is still on. For larger electrical fires, it’s safer to use a CO2 fire extinguisher or cut off the power supply before attempting to put out the fire.
How to Maintain and Store Your Fire Blanket
Fire blankets require little maintenance, but ensuring they are in good condition and easily accessible is crucial:
- Storage: Keep the fire blanket in its protective case or box and ensure it is clearly visible and easily accessible, especially in kitchens or high-risk areas.
- Regular Checks: Periodically check the fire blanket for any signs of wear or damage. Fire blankets should be replaced if the outer case is damaged or if the blanket has been used.
- Replacement After Use: Fire blankets are single-use items. Once they’ve been used, they should be replaced, even if they appear undamaged.
Fire blankets are a valuable part of any fire safety strategy, particularly in kitchens and areas where small fires are a higher risk. By understanding how fire blankets work and when to use them, you can protect yourself, your family, and your business from the dangers of fire.
Whether dealing with a pan fire or helping someone whose clothing has caught alight, fire blankets offer a safe and effective way to extinguish small fires quickly, reducing the risk of injury and property damage. Always remember to store your fire blanket in an easily accessible location, check it regularly for signs of wear, and replace it after use to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention. contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648