A fire blanket is an essential safety device used to quickly and effectively extinguish early-stage fires by isolating the oxygen supply. Made from fire resistant materials, often as a sheet of woven fabric, fire blankets are widely employed in fire emergencies, such as smothering the flames of grease fires or protecting a person whose clothes have caught fire. In addition to their role in fire safety, fire blankets are versatile, durable, and easy to use, making them a critical part of any fire response plan.
In the United States, fire blankets are particularly valued for their compliance with international standards like EN 1869 and NFPA 701, as well as U.S.-specific certifications such as UL ratings. They complement other fire suppression tools, such as fire extinguishers, and are especially effective for use in homes, laboratories, and industrial environments. Fire blankets are categorized into two main types: Basic Material Fire Blankets and Composite Fire Blankets.
Types of Fire Blankets
Different fire blanket materials make the performance of different types of fire blankets vary greatly. Choose the right type of fire blanket to ensure that it can works at a critical moment.
Basic Fire Blankets: Cost-effective and lightweight, fiberglass blankets (up to 550°C / 1,022°F) are ideal for kitchens, vehicles, and personal fire safety. High silica blankets (1,000°C / 1,832°F) offer superior heat protection in industrial settings.
Composite Fire Blankets: Enhanced with coatings for durability and resistance. Silicone-coated fiberglass (260–550°C / 500–1,022°F) repels water, oil, and chemicals, used in petrochemical and welding applications. Silicone-coated high silica blankets (1,000°C / 1,832°F) provide reinforced strength for aerospace, shipbuilding, and nuclear industries.
High-Temperature Fire Blankets: Vermiculite-coated fiberglass shields against sparks and molten splatter, essential for welding and cutting. Vermiculite-coated high silica blankets (1,000°C / 1,832°F) protect steel mills and foundries.
Graphite-Coated High Silica Blankets: Engineered for EV fire suppression, aerospace, and nuclear applications, these blankets endure 1,100°C (2,012°F) and provide multi-use protection under extreme conditions.
Fire Blanket Function
A fire blanket is a fire-resistant safety device designed to suppress and contain small fires. Made from fire-resistant materials such as fiberglass or high-silica fabric, fire blankets work by smothering flames, cutting off the oxygen supply, and preventing fire spread.
Fire blankets are particularly effective for small fires, including Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class F/K (cooking oil) fires, making them a versatile solution for home, commercial, and industrial fire safety. Unlike a fire extinguisher, which can leave chemical residues, fire blankets provide a clean and efficient fire suppression method, especially in environments where contamination must be avoided.
For enhanced fire safety, coated fire blankets, treated with vermiculite, silicone, or graphite layers, offer superior resistance to extreme heat, molten metal, and toxic gas penetration. These high-performance fire blankets comply with EN 1869, ensuring they meet rigorous fire-resistant and fire safety standards for use in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
Stored in wall-mounted boxes or protective pouches, fire blankets ensure quick and easy deployment in emergencies. Larger industrial fire blankets are housed in dedicated fire blanket cabinets, enabling rapid access when responding to large-scale fire hazards.
For blankets’ certified fire protection, blankets must comply with NFPA 701, UL 94 V-0, ASTM E84, and EN 1869, ensuring high-performance containment, fire resistance, and overall fire safety.
What Type Of Fire Is A Fire Blanket Used For？
| Type | Temperature Range | Applicable Scenarios | Key Features |
| Fiberglass Fire Blanket | 550°C (1,022°F) | Home kitchens, labs, vehicle fires | Cost-effective, portable, ideal for handling early-stage fires. |
| Silica Fire Blanket | 1,000°C (1,832°F) | Industrial equipment, high-temp pipes | High heat resistance, suited for industrial use. |
| Silicone Coated Fiberglass | 260-550°C (500-1,022°F) | Outdoor firefighting, chemical plants | Waterproof, oilproof, and chemical corrosion resistance. |
| Silicone Coated Silica | 1,000°C (1,832°F) | Aerospace, shipbuilding, nuclear sites | High mechanical strength, suitable for extreme temperatures. |
| Vermiculite Coated Fiberglass | 750°C (1,382°F) | Welding protection, spark barriers | Excellent flame impact resistance. |
| Vermiculite Coated Silica | 1,000°C (1,832°F) | Steel mills, high-temperature industry | Prolonged heat exposure resistance, strong thermal stability. |
| Graphite Coated High-Silica | 1,100°C (2,012°F) | Nuclear facilities, jet engines | Exceptional for extreme heat, excellent thermal conductivity and durability. |
Why Fire Blankets Matter in Fire Safety
Fire blankets are an indispensable addition to any fire response plan. They are particularly effective in scenarios where fire extinguishers may not be practical, such as smothering the flames of a small kitchen fire or protecting individuals during clothing-related fires. Designed for ease of use, they allow users to employ their hands to use a fire blanket safely while keeping their hands protected from burns.
Whether in households, workplaces, or industrial facilities, fire blankets work as a first line of defense during fire emergencies. They are compact, affordable, and require minimal training, ensuring they remain accessible and effective for everyone. By isolating the oxygen supply and smothering fires, they provide a reliable method to put out a fire quickly and safely.
Are Fire Blankets Effective？
When dealing with early-stage fires, fire blankets are highly effective firefighting tools. These safety devices work by physically covering the fire source, which covers the fire and cuts off the oxygen supply needed for combustion. This process helps prevent the fire from spreading and makes fire blankets an ideal choice for extinguishing small fires, such as a grease fire, electrical fires, or fires involving industrial high-temperature sources. Practical research has shown their efficiency: for example, a fire with a fire blanket placed over a pot of burning oil at 400°C (752°F) was extinguished in just 5 seconds, while avoiding the risks of flame splatter or chemical contamination.
The versatility of fire blankets is especially valuable in specific scenarios. In a kitchen fire, a fire blanket can prevent the fire from worsening and eliminates the dangers associated with using water, which can cause oil splatter when dealing with a grease fire. In industrial settings, such as welding operations or lithium battery fires, high silica or graphite-coated fire blankets withstand temperatures over 1,000°C. These advanced materials not only block heat radiation but also provide critical fire safety by cutting off the oxygen supply, allowing workers to safely contain flames.
While fire blankets are excellent for extinguishing small fires or controlling localized flames, they are not intended for handling larger fires. For large-scale fire emergencies, tools like fire extinguishers are essential. Fire blankets, however, complement fire extinguishers by providing an additional layer of protection, particularly for specific applications where other tools may not be practical, such as covering a person whose clothes have caught fire.
Extinguishing Early-Stage Fires
- Fire blankets are designed to extinguish fires by creating a physical barrier that covers the burning area, stopping oxygen from fueling the flames. When the blanket covers the fire, it halts combustion quickly and safely.
- Fire blankets are highly effective for extinguishing small fires, such as those caused by starting fires in kitchens, vehicles, and industrial environments. For example, a fire blanket is ideal for handling a grease fire in a kitchen without the risks associated with water. Additionally, fire blankets work well alongside a fire extinguisher to manage certain types of fire emergencies.
Heat Insulation and Protection
- Fire blankets also function as thermal barriers, protecting equipment and personnel from high temperatures when approaching the fire. These safety devices offer crucial protection in industrial and high-risk settings.
- Constructed from resistant materials, such as high-silica fabric or specialized coatings, fire blankets provide heat resistant insulation for tasks involving industrial machinery or high-temperature operations. Their flame retardant properties make them indispensable in environments that demand superior fire protection.
Preventing Fire Spread
- In industrial settings, fires often spread due to high-temperature sparks or molten splatter. Fire blankets can cover the fire or sparks to contain the flames, preventing escalation and additional damage.
- By cutting off the oxygen supply and shielding surrounding areas, fire blankets help control starting fires and stop them from becoming larger fires, ensuring greater fire safety in both residential and industrial environments.
Fire blankets are critical tools for controlling early-stage fires and ensuring overall fire safety. Their ability to cover the fire, extinguish small fires, and protect against heat makes them an essential addition to any fire response plan. These blankets are especially effective for specific scenarios, such as handling a grease fire in a kitchen or preventing sparks from spreading in an industrial setting.
For larger emergencies, fire blankets work as a complement to a fire extinguisher, offering targeted control where extinguishers may not be practical. Their compliance with standards like BS EN 1869 ensures that these safety devices provide reliable performance in critical moments. Fire blankets are simple to use, easy to store, and provide the confidence needed to tackle a variety of types of fire safely.
What Type Of Fire Is A Fire Blanket Used For
Fire blankets are essential fire safety tools designed to extinguish small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. They are effective for various fire classes, including flammable liquids, combustible metals, and electrical fires, making them vital in households and industrial settings.
Applications of Fire Blankets
Household Fires (Grease & Electrical Fires)
Fiberglass blankets are effective for Class A, B, and K fires, including grease and electrical fires. Silicone-coated fire blankets are ideal for kitchen fires, reducing extinguishing time by 50% compared to standard blankets.
Industrial Fires (Flammable Liquids & Combustible Metals)
For Class D (metal) and high-temperature fires, high-silica fire blankets withstand up to 1,000°C (1,832°F), while vermiculite-coated blankets protect against molten metal and welding sparks. These are commonly used in manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectors.
Chemical Fires (Flammable Liquids)
Silicone-coated fire blankets resist chemical penetration, ensuring safe containment of flammable liquid fires in laboratories, chemical plants, and hazardous material storage.
Lithium Battery Fires
Graphite-coated high-silica fire blankets are designed for EV battery fires, tolerating 1,100°C (2,012°F) and slowing thermal runaway. They are essential for electric vehicle safety, battery storage, and logistics.
Extreme Fires (Aviation & Nuclear Applications)
Graphite-coated high-silica fire blankets maintain structural integrity for 15 minutes under intense mechanical and thermal stress, making them suitable for aircraft engine fire protection and nuclear safety shielding.
Selecting the right fire blanket depends on fire type, certification compliance (NFPA 701, UL 94 V-0, ASTM E84), and industry application.
Fire Blankets vs. Fire Extinguishers
Fire blankets and fire extinguishers serve distinct roles in fire safety. Fire blankets are effective for small, contained fires, such as kitchen grease fires (reaching 400°C / 752°F in seconds) and clothing fires, by smothering flames and cutting off the oxygen supply. Fire extinguishers, using chemical agents or CO₂, are necessary for larger or spreading fires, including electrical and flammable liquid fires, which can exceed 800°C (1,472°F).
For Class A, B, and K fires, fire blankets provide a quick, residue-free solution, making them ideal for homes, kitchens, and labs. Fire extinguishers, classified by type (ABC, CO₂, dry chemical), are essential for fuel-based and industrial fires. However, for EV fires, traditional extinguishers are ineffective due to thermal runaway, where battery cells continue to generate extreme heat and toxic gas. In these cases, only a specialized EV fire blanket can effectively contain flames, prevent gas spread, and isolate the fire until emergency responders arrive.
According to NFPA 10 and OSHA fire codes, workplaces must have properly maintained fire extinguishers, while NFPA 701-certified fire blankets provide additional protection in areas with open flames or flammable materials. OSHA fire blanket requirements ensure workplace fire safety under OSHA 1910.157 (Fire Extinguishers), 1910.39 (Fire Prevention Plans), and 1910.252 (Welding Safety). Fire blankets meeting NFPA 701, FM 4950, and ASTM E84 help protect against sparks, molten metal, and high heat, ensuring compliance in hazardous environments.For EV fires, high-temperature graphite-coated EV fire blankets are essential for containing fires exceeding 1,100°C (2,012°F) and preventing toxic fume release.
For comprehensive fire safety, having both fire blankets and extinguishers ensures effective fire response across various fire hazards, including EV-related incidents.
How Does A Fire Blanket Work?
Fire blankets work by physically covering the fire source to cut off the oxygen supply, interrupting the combustion process. Their effectiveness is determined by the materials and coatings used, making them suitable for various fire scenarios. Below is a fully integrated summary of how different types of fire blankets operate.
Fire blankets made from fiberglass function by tightly adhering to the fire source to form a barrier that isolates oxygen while absorbing heat. Their flexibility allows them to adapt to irregular surfaces, making them ideal for putting out small fires, such as kitchen grease fires, withstanding temperatures up to 550°C (1,022°F). Enhanced with silicone coatings, they gain resistance to liquid flames and chemical corrosion, making them effective for grease and chemical fires. Silicone-coated blankets block liquid flames from penetrating the material while maintaining stability in temperatures from 260°C to 550°C (500°F–1,022°F).
For higher-temperature scenarios, high-silica fire blankets excel in insulating and stabilizing fires involving industrial equipment or pipelines. Their low thermal conductivity reduces surrounding heat while maintaining integrity at up to 1,000°C (1,832°F). Adding a vermiculite coating makes these blankets resistant to molten debris and high-temperature sparks, ensuring protection in environments such as welding and cutting operations, where they withstand sparks as hot as 1,200°C (2,192°F).
In extreme fire situations, such as lithium battery or aviation engine fires, graphite-coated high-silica blankets combine high heat resistance and thermal conductivity to dissipate heat and prevent re-ignition. These blankets are designed to endure temperatures as high as 1,100°C (2,012°F) while maintaining physical integrity in high-pressure, dynamic environments.
Fire blankets, whether made from fiberglass, high-silica, or coated with silicone, vermiculite, or graphite, provide a versatile and efficient fire safety solution. Their ability to smother flames, resist liquid penetration, block sparks, and isolate high temperatures makes them indispensable for controlling and extinguishing fires across household, industrial, and extreme environments.
Are Fire Blankets A Good Idea?
If you need a quick and clean method to control fires close to a fire, a fire blanket is an essential fire safety tool. Designed to be simple and effective, fire blankets can put out a fire by smothering the flames and cutting off the oxygen supply without leaving chemical residues or damaging equipment like a fire extinguisher might.
Fire blankets are particularly effective for grease fires, where using water could cause splattering risks, or for welding sparks, where they shield nearby equipment from high heat. While both a fire blanket and fire extinguisher are valuable tools, fire blankets are ideal for situations requiring quick and localized action. Portable and easy to store, they can be hung on a wall or placed in a drawer for immediate access during emergencies.
Although not suitable for large-scale fires, fire blankets are trusted as the first line of defense for households and industries, offering a reliable, environmentally friendly, and practical solution to improve fire safety.
Ensure Your Fire Blanket Works When You Need It Most
A fire blanket is an essential fire safety tool that can help protect lives and property during emergencies. To ensure it performs effectively in critical moments, it’s important to select the right product, understand proper usage, and perform regular maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Choosing the Right Fire Blanket
When selecting a fire blanket, consider the specific fire risks and protection needs of your environment:
Material Selection
- Fiberglass or Silicone-Coated Fire Blankets: Ideal for household scenarios, such as grease fires in kitchens or electrical fires.
- High-Silica or Vermiculite-Coated Fire Blankets: Suitable for high-temperature industrial fires or welding sparks.
- Graphite-Coated High-Silica Fire Blankets: Designed for extreme conditions, such as lithium battery fires, offering superior heat resistance.
Certification Standards
Choose products that meet recognized safety certifications, such as EN 1869 (European standard) or NFPA 701 (U.S. standard), to ensure quality and reliability.Size Selection
- For households, a 1m x 1m (39in x 39in) fire blanket is generally sufficient.
- For industrial settings, larger blankets (e.g., 2m x 2m) are recommended to handle larger fire sources.
How to Use a Fire Blanket
Proper use of a fire blanket is key to quickly controlling a fire and protecting yourself. Follow these steps:
Quickly Remove the Fire Blanket
Stay calm. Remove the fire blanket from its packaging and firmly hold two corners.Protect Yourself
Hold the blanket in front of you, using it as a shield to cover your hands and forearms. This helps protect you from burns when getting close to a fire.Cover the Fire Source
Approach the fire carefully from one side, and gently place the blanket over the flames. Ensure the fire is completely covered to cut off the oxygen supply.Press and Wait
Press the blanket down gently over the fire and hold it in place for 15–30 seconds to ensure the flames are extinguished.After the Fire is Out
Once the fire is extinguished, allow the blanket to cool before removing it. Check for re-ignition and call emergency services if needed.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
To ensure your fire blanket is ready for use, regular inspection and proper storage are essential:
Inspection Frequency
Check your fire blanket every six months for signs of damage, such as tears, worn edges, or delaminated coatings. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as fire blankets typically have a lifespan of 5–10 years.Storage Conditions
Store your fire blanket in a dry, accessible location, such as a wall-mounted pouch or drawer. Keep it away from corrosive chemicals and moisture to prevent degradation.Replacement
If the blanket shows signs of aging or damage, replace it immediately to ensure optimal performance during emergencies,some fire blankets are designed to be reused. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether fire blankets can be reused.
Fire blankets are a critical component of any comprehensive fire safety plan, providing a quick, effective, and clean solution for controlling early-stage fires. By smothering the flames and cutting off the oxygen supply, fire blankets prevent the spread of fires in both household and industrial environments. From grease fires in kitchens to high-temperature industrial fires or lithium battery hazards, the right fire blanket ensures protection for personnel, property, and lives. To maximize effectiveness, it’s essential to select certified products, maintain them regularly, and use them correctly during emergencies.
For over a decade, Safeprotex has been a leader in designing and manufacturing high-performance fire blankets. With rigorous certifications such as NFPA 701 and EN 1869, Safeprotex products meet the highest international standards for safety and reliability. Whether you’re safeguarding your home or workplace, Safeprotex fire blankets combine advanced materials, such as high-silica and graphite coatings, with expert design to provide superior protection.
Protect what matters most with Safeprotex fire blankets! Contact Safeprotex today for expert guidance, customized fire safety solutions, and competitive wholesale pricing. Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure the safety of your loved ones, employees, and assets now!