A fire blanket is a safety device made from fire-resistant materials designed to extinguish small fires. Placing the blanket over the flames smothers the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply, which is essential for combustion. 

They are particularly effective on kitchen fires, such as those caused by cooking oils, as well as small electrical fires, and come in various types and sizes to cater to different fire safety needs:

• Standard Kitchen Fire Blankets: Typically measuring around 1m x 1m or 1.2m x 1.2m, these are ideal for extinguishing small kitchen fires that might be caused by cooking oils or stovetop mishaps.
• Larger Fire Blankets: Measuring up to 1.8m x 1.8m, these are designed for more coverage, making them suitable for garages, workshops, or areas with larger fire hazards.
• Battery Fire Blankets: These are made from materials that can safely contain fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, which burn at very high temperatures.

The growing popularity

Demand is rising as consumers become more aware of home fire safety. Recent market reports show that the global market is experiencing strong growth, driven by increased safety regulations and heightened public awareness. As more households look for fire safety solutions, fire resistant blankets have become a popular choice thanks to their affordability and effectiveness. 

Why the surge?

Several factors are contributing to the growing popularity, including:

Growing awareness of fire safety: With increasing education and media coverage on fires and fire risks, more people are aware of fire risks posed by everyday activities, especially during cooking. This awareness is driving homeowners to invest in reliable fire safety products, with blankets a popular choice.

Proven effectiveness: Blankets are known for their ability to extinguish small fires, particularly those involving cooking oils or electrical appliances. They can prevent a minor incident from turning into a major disaster, which makes them a trusted tool in fire safety.

Ease of Use: They require no special training to operate and can be used by anyone in the household, including children and the elderly. This makes them an attractive option for families looking to improve their home safety.

These factors, combined with an increasing focus on safety and prevention, have positioned fire resistant blankets as a must-have item for a safe home, driving increased sales.

Home safety essentials

Fire blankets are designed to quickly and effectively smother small fires before they have a chance to escalate. During the early stages of a fire, a blanket placed directly over the flames will cut off the oxygen supply, which is essential for combustion. This helps contain the fire and prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. Whether it's a kitchen fire or a small electrical fire, a blanket can stop the situation from becoming a full-blown emergency.

Unlike fire extinguishers, which require some knowledge of how to operate, fire blankets are straightforward to use. Just pull the tabs to release the blanket, unfold it, and place it over the fire. Their intuitive design ensures that even in a moment of panic, anyone can use them effectively.

Ultimately, they are safe and easy to use for people of all ages, making them a perfect family-friendly safety tool. Whether it’s a child, an elderly family member, or anyone in between, a blanket can be deployed with confidence. Its fire-resistant materials ensure that it’s safe to handle, and the simplicity of its operation means that even those without fire safety training can use it to protect themselves and others. This accessibility makes them an essential tool for any home.

Common uses of fire blankets

Kitchen Safety: When cooking oils or fats overheat and ignite, they become dangerous quickly. Pouring water on a fat fire can have devastating effects, whereas blankets smother the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply, effectively putting out the fire without spreading the flames or causing further hazards.

Electrical Fires: When an electrical appliance overheats or malfunctions, smothering the flames can prevent the fire from spreading. Because fire blankets do not conduct electricity, they are safe to use on electrical fires, providing a quick and reliable method for containing these types of emergencies. 

Personal Safety: Wrapping a fire blanket around a person helps to shield them from the flames and enables them to escape situations they may not be able to otherwise. This makes them a vital safety tool not just for small fire emergencies, but also for protecting lives in critical situations.

How to choose the right fire blanket

Size is important. The size you choose should be based on where and how you plan to use it. 

For kitchen fires, a standard-size blanket (typically 1m x 1m or 1.2m x 1.2m) is ideal for quickly extinguishing small fat fires. If you need a blanket for larger spaces like a garage or workshop, use a larger size (up to 1.8m x 1.8m) to ensure you are covered for potential fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment. If you are looking to protect yourself from lithium-ion battery fires, you will need a battery fire blanket to tackle that specific fire risk.

When it comes to fire safety, quality is paramount. Always look for approval markings to BS EN 1869:2019 and choose a fire blanket that carries an official logo/mark of an approved body such as LPCB or BSI. Any blanket approved to that standard has been rigorously tested and will perform as needed in an emergency. An approved fire blanket provides better protection and gives you peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable safety tool on hand.

Fire blankets are a simple, cost-effective, and essential tool for protecting your home and loved ones. Whether it's in the kitchen, garage, or even your car, having a blanket on hand can make all the difference in an emergency. With their proven effectiveness and ease of use, blankets offer peace of mind and a quick response to small fires before they escalate.

As fire safety becomes increasingly important, there's no better time to add a fire blanket to your home safety kit. It could be the key to preventing a small incident from becoming a major disaster. 

View our full home & leisure fire protection range to find out further information on the domestic fire safety products we provide here at Firechief®. 

Disclaimer

The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.