Fire Blankets

Do you want to be able to quickly extinguish a small, incipient fire? With a fire blanket, you have a practical tool at your fingertips to put out certain small fires. A fire blanket is compact, easy to store, and can also be used if someone’s clothing catches fire. That’s why it’s a useful addition to fire safety in homes, offices, and workshops.

What is a fire blanket, and how does it work?

A fire blanket is a specially designed blanket that you can use to cover certain small fires. The blanket is typically made of heat-resistant fiberglass fabric. By completely covering a small fire, you cut off the supply of oxygen, which allows the flames to be extinguished.

A fire blanket is primarily intended for small, incipient fires that you can safely reach. Examples include a small fire in a trash can or clothing that has caught fire. In the event of a larger fire, heavy smoke, or an unsafe situation, do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. Get yourself and others to safety and call 112.

Why choose a fire blanket?

A fire blanket offers several practical advantages. Its compact size and ease of use make it a particularly attractive fire-fighting tool.

Compact and easy to store

A fire blanket usually comes in a distinctive storage bag or holder that you can mount on the wall.

As a result, the blanket takes up very little space and can be stored in an easily accessible location. This is convenient in homes, offices, garages, and other areas where you want quick access to a fire extinguishing device.

No fire extinguishing powder or foam

A fire blanket works without powder or foam. This means you won’t spread any additional fire-suppressing agent throughout the room while covering a small, suitable fire. Of course, the fire itself can still cause smoke, heat, and soot damage. For other types of small fires, a fire extinguisher may be more appropriate.

Also useful for burning clothing

If someone’s clothing is on fire, a suitable fire blanket can be used to extinguish the flames. It’s important that the blanket is large enough to fully cover the burning clothing. Not every size is equally practical for this purpose.

How do you use a fire blanket?

Want to know how to use a fire blanket? The principle is simple, but acting safely remains important.

1. Pull the fire blanket out of the holder using the loops provided.

2. Hold the blanket in front of you and protect your hands by tucking the top edge under.

3. Only approach a very small fire if you can do so safely and your escape route remains clear.

4. Carefully drape the blanket over the entire fire, so that the oxygen supply is cut off.

5. Leave the blanket in place until the fire has completely cooled down.

Always use the fire blanket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A used fire blanket usually needs to be replaced. Is the fire larger than about a soccer ball, or is there a lot of smoke? If so, leave the building immediately and call 112.

Can you use a fire blanket on a pan fire?

Many people think a fire blanket is suitable for burning oil or grease. However, the Dutch Fire Service advises against this.

In the case of a pan fire, placing a fire blanket over the pan can be dangerous. The pan may shift, and not every fire blanket can withstand the high temperatures of a grease fire.

Therefore, do not use a fire blanket for a pan fire. If it’s safe to do so, slide a properly fitting lid over the pan and turn off the heat source. Leave the pan undisturbed to cool completely. Never use water to extinguish burning oil or grease. This can cause a dangerous flash fire.

What size fire blanket do you need?

Fire blankets are available in various sizes. The appropriate size depends on the application.

Fire Blanket 100 x 100 cm

A 100 x 100 cm fire blanket is compact and easy to store. This size may be suitable for covering certain small, incipient fires. Thanks to its compact size, the blanket takes up very little space.

Fire Blanket 120 x 180 cm

A 120 x 180 cm fire blanket offers more surface area and may therefore be more practical when you need to cover a larger fire source or extinguish burning clothing.

To fully wrap an adult, the Dutch Fire Department recommends a size of 180 x 180 cm. Therefore, always check whether the dimensions are suitable for your intended use.

What should you look for when buying a fire blanket?

When buying a fire blanket, it’s wise to look beyond just the price or dimensions. Check for compliance with the European standard EN 1869. This standard sets requirements for fire blankets used to control small fires.

Also, check whether the blanket can be easily removed from the holder and whether the instructions for use are clearly visible. Placement is also important. Hang a fire blanket in an easily accessible location, preferably near an exit. Make sure that, in the event of a fire, you don’t have to walk past the flames to grab the blanket.

A Fire Blanket as Part of Fire Prevention

A fire blanket is a useful addition to your safety measures, but it does not replace other forms of fire protection. Properly installed smoke detectors will alert you early if smoke develops. A fire blanket can then be used for certain small fires, provided it is safe to do so.

For situations requiring greater fire-extinguishing capacity, consider foam or powder fire extinguishers. Want to comprehensively secure your home or business? Then check out our full range of fire prevention products.

Buy a Fire Blanket at Alarmsysteemexpert

Would you like to buy a fire blanket for your home, office, or workshop? At Alarmsysteemexpert, you’ll find fire blankets in various sizes for extinguishing suitable small fires. Browse our selection and compare the different sizes. Do you have questions about how to use them or the correct application? Feel free to contact our specialists or visit our showroom in Gorinchem for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Blankets

How do you use a fire blanket correctly?

Pull the fire blanket out of the holder and protect your hands with the folded-over top edge. Completely cover a very small fire without putting yourself in danger. Leave the blanket in place until the source of the fire has cooled down. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Can you use a fire blanket on a pan fire?

No, the Dutch Fire Department advises against this. Not every fire blanket is suitable for the high temperatures of an oil or grease fire. If it’s safe to do so, use a suitable lid to cover the pan—and never use water.

What is the best size for a fire blanket?

That depends on the intended use. A 100 x 100 cm fire blanket is compact and suitable for certain small fires. A 120 x 180 cm model offers more surface area. To completely wrap an adult, a 180 x 180 cm blanket is the recommended size.

Can I use a fire blanket more than once?

Fire blankets are generally intended for single use. The heat can damage the material, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible. Therefore, replace a fire blanket after each use.

Is a fire blanket required in the home?

No, there is no general legal requirement for ordinary Dutch homes to have a fire blanket. However, a suitable fire blanket can be a valuable addition to your fire safety equipment.