About the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).
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A fire blanket is a specialized sheet of fabric that:
- It is highly heat and fire-resistant
- It does not allow oxygen to pass through its finely woven fabric
Combining these two features means a fire-retardant blanket can be excellent at smothering small incipient fires for people trained in their use.
A fire blanket acts on fires by denying access to oxygen, an essential fuel for burning fires. Without oxygen, the fire quickly goes out.
In this overview, we’ll summarize advice from various sources on using a fire blanket and when it is best to use it.
What is a Fire Blanket Made Of?
Fire retardant blankets for putting out common kitchen fires are usually fiberglass. It’s possible to get fire-resistant blankets made of leather. Still, these blankets are typically for other times, like placing them under a barbecue grill or welding.
Modern fire retardant blankets are not made of asbestos. Many people worry that they’re made of asbestos because they sometimes have short, fine fibers that fall out. But those are fiberglass unless you have an ancient fire blanket.
The fiberglass finely weaves into a flexible and fire-retardant fabric. As a result, it resists extreme heat and fire. In addition, the fine thread helps prevent oxygen from getting through the material, smothering the fire.
You will, of course, need to check to find out what specific material your fire blanket is in your manual.
When to Use a Fire Blanket
1. For Small Incipient Fires
A fire retardant blanket is best for smaller fires in their embryonic stage. That’s a fire that is just beginning and containable under the surface area of the blanket.
One primary consideration in choosing a fire blanket for a fire extinguisher is the size of the fire. If the fire is larger than the surface area of the veil, it won’t be handy.
The other thing to consider is whether you can cover the fire with a blanket. The blanket needs to cover the fire to extinguish it entirely. That’s why a blanket is a choice for putting out trash can or stovetop fires: You can place the blanket over the rim of the trash can, pot, or pan.
However, it becomes more difficult to deny the fire oxygen when the fire is in a corner of a room or on an uneven surface. So, a fire extinguisher might be a better option for these instances. But, again, these are considerations trained users need to make on a case-by-case basis.
2. For Burning Clothing
A trained user often recommends fire blankets when a person’s clothing is on fire. The blanket can be tightly wrapped around the person to deny the fire oxygen. Once it wraps around the person, they must ‘stop, drop, and roll’ to put the fire out.
This action may sound easy, but when someone’s on fire, they will not be standing still for the user to wrap the surrounding blanket!
When not to use a Fire Blanket
It would be best if you didn’t use a fire retardant blanket in the following cases:
- If the fire is larger than the surface area of the blanket.
- In case the surface area is uneven and cannot be fully covered.
- If the user does not know how to use the blanket properly.
- If the user or the people around them are in immediate danger, they must evacuate immediately.
Sometimes, it’s best to evacuate the area safely and calmly and call 9-1-1 to let the professionals deal with the issue. That is why training in your jurisdiction on appropriate use is essential.
Instructions for Use
a) For Small Incipient Fires
Different fire blankets may have further instructions for use. Ensure you always follow the rules of the specific blanket in your jurisdiction. Below are general steps for service only and not necessarily appropriate for your situation or your fire blanket:
How to Use a Fire Blanket
1. Evaluate your Safety.
Stop and evaluate the situation. First, make sure no one is in immediate danger. If you cannot safely approach the fire to place the blanket over it, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.
2. Turn off Electricity.
If the fire fuels an appliance, such as a stove or toaster, it is best to remove the electrical connection. Then, if it’s safe to do so, unplug the device from the wall. Similarly, if the fire is fueled by gas, see if you can turn off the gas source.
3. Put on Gloves.
Wikihow suggests that if you have gloves nearby, you should put the gloves on before handling the blanket to prevent getting pricked by the sharp fibers in the blanket.
4. Remove the blanket from its sleeve.
A fire retardant blanket is usually in a bag that hangs on a wall. The blanket will often have two tabs at the bottom. Pull the tabs sharply. The blanket will fall from the sleeve. Check your manual on this.
5. Fold the blanket over your hands.
You do not want your hands to be openly exposed to the fire when they get close. wikiHow recommends folding the blanket over your hands.
6. Shield yourself.
Hold the blanket up as a shield between yourself and the fire, and approach the fire with caution.
7. Carefully place the blanket over the flames.
Do not throw the blanket. It would be best to be calm and control the blanket for this step. Throwing the blanket will not fully cover the flames and may fan the fire, causing the fire to surge.
8. Leave the blanket in place.
Then, survey the scene. If it appears the fire has been suppressed, leave the blanket in place for 30 minutes. If the flames are still burning, get a fire extinguisher.
9. Evacuate and call 9-1-1.
Have a professional firefighter assess the situation and announce the problem clearly.
b) For Burning Clothing
This one is a little harder. The user must stay calm and help the person whose clothing is on fire. This reason is why it’s essential to be well-trained before use. Ensure you always follow the rules of the specific blanket in your jurisdiction. Below are general steps for service only and not necessarily appropriate for your situation or your fire blanket:
If a Person’s Clothes are on Fire
1. Put on Gloves.
If you have gloves nearby, put them on to protect your hands.
2. Release the Blanket.
Release the blanket from its sleeve by pulling sharply at the two tabs at the bottom of the sleeve. The blanket will fall from the sleeve.
3. Protect your Hands.
Grab the edges of the blanket and wrap them once around your hands. That will protect them from the fire.
4. Shield yourself.
Hold the blanket between you and the fire as a shield and approach the burning person.
5. Wrap the Blanket.
Wrap the blanket around the person. Afterward, wrap it until the blanket fully covers the fire and you’ve run out of material.
6. Stop, Drop, and Roll.
Have the person drop to the floor and roll. It is often helpful to demonstrate it yourself and have them copy you. Remember, the person is probably in a panic at this moment.
7. Call 9-1-1.
Call 9-1-1 and immediately have the ambulance and fire department attend the scene to assist.
Where to Keep Your Fire Blanket
The most common and helpful place to put a blanket is in the kitchen. The sleeve can be hung on the kitchen wall or the inner door of the kitchen cupboard.
Non-domestic kitchens regularly need a fire-retardant blanket. Industrial and commercial kitchens frequently require one, as do boats with kitchens. Local jurisdictions govern these laws.
But they’re commonly used in other locations.
Many people have them in the trunk of their cars to suppress vehicle fires or access them easily when car camping. Similarly, backpackers typically take lightweight aluminum fire retardant blankets that can act as emergency blankets for putting out fires and keeping people who get lost in the wilderness.
No matter where you put your blanket, it is vital to place it somewhere very easily accessible at short notice.
Is my Blanket Reusable?
After putting a fire blanket over a fire, you must leave it for a long time. A common suggestion is to leave it at least for 15 minutes to ensure the fire is completely out. You must dispose of the blanket once you verify the fire has ended. Generally, you cannot reuse a fire-retardant blanket—sorry! You’ll have to go ahead and buy a new one. Check your blanket’s manual for this information.
Read our full review and buyer’s guide on the best fire blankets if you want a fire-retardant blanket.
Final Thoughts
We think a fire-retardant blanket is necessary for a home fire safety plan. It is the central piece of home fire safety equipment, sitting alongside a fire extinguisher and fire escape ladder (for a multi-story building).
But once you have the blanket, educate yourself and your children on how to use it.
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