Types of Fire Blankets and what they are used for

Fire blankets are made from fire resistant materials and can be used on a range of fires whether they have been started by paper, wood, textiles, flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel or combustible metals such as potassium and lithium. Designed to cover and extinguish a small fire, fire blankets smother a fire which puts it out as the oxygen is removed. They are available in a range of different sizes and can also help in putting out slightly larger fires such as ones that may start in a lab.

With around 30,000 house fires occurring in the UK everyday and with the majority of these being caused by electrical equipment misuse such as cooking appliances, having a fire blanket installed where there is a kitchen is a good idea. For example, last year alone 1,535 fires were caused due to chip or fat pans with 9,000 fires being caused due to misuse of electrical equipment (GOV.uk). Quick and easy to use, fire blankets are a safe way to put out a small fire without having to use a fire extinguisher or more drastic measures.

Available in both rigid and soft cases, fire blankets are often stored on walls in public spaces such as a work kitchen or in a shared flat, they can also be kept in easily accessible cupboards so that they are out of the way in domestic environments. Easily identifiable in a vibrant red case, fire blankets are a go to if a fire suddenly starts meaning the spread of flames can be quickly put out and the damage to property is reduced.

Manufactured to the highest fire safety standard, market leading brands such as Firechief ensure all of their fire blankets are security tested, kitemark certified and are made using only the best materials such as premium coated quality glasscloth to ensure they quickly stop the spread of flames.

Fire blankets are of course most commonly used in kitchens they are however, ideal for a number of other small environments so that fire safety is always upheld. Other places where fire blankets are useful are; science labs, caravans, small boats, shared accommodation and garages. Taking a look at your environment, you can determine what sort of fire may be caused where you live or work and from there decide whether you need a fire blankets. For example, if where you frequent has fire hazards that include paper and wood or flammable liquids, it’s better to be safe than sorry therefore opting for a fire blanket can put your mind at ease and help you put a small fire out should one occur.

It is also important to know how to use your fire blanket should a fire occur and thankfully, they are very straightforward to use. If a fire starts, you should first turn off the heat if caused by a hob, then all you simply have to do is release your blanket from it’s container by pulling on the attached tabs and then lay the blanket over the fire to cover the burning material fully. The blanket acts as a layer and prevents oxygen from helping the fire to continue burning and the blanket should be left in place again until the material has cooled and there is not a risk of re-ignition.