A fire blanket is almost exactly what it sounds like. It's an incredibly handy safety tool designed with fire-resistant materials (like treated wool, fiberglass or types of woven nylon) and sealed a flame retardant coating—each iteration designed to cut off the oxygen supply to a fire, stopping combustion in its tracks. So, are fire blankets a smart alternative to traditional fire extinguishers when it comes to small household fires?
Although ideal for kitchen stovetop or grill, a fire blanket may not always be the best solution for a household fire. To learn the safest ways to use a fire blanket, industry experts share the most important details to know.
KC Zachary is the firefighter captain at the Caldwell Fire Department.
Robert Troxel is the reconstruction project manager at Master Restoration.
When to Use a Fire Blanket vs. an Extinguisher?
Good news: most small kitchen fires can be stopped with either a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket. "The fire extinguisher can be used on fires that are spreading quickly [or for times] when you need to treat a larger surface area," says fire captain KC Zachary. But, "a fire blanket can be [the go-to tool] to stop a pot/pan fire by simply unfolding the fire blanket and covering the entire area of fire," he adds.
However, what gives fire blankets a leg up is their restoration time: you don't have to worry about any residual white powder on any surface, which can make the final cleanup a big job, according to Zachary. Budget-wise, both tools fall within a similar cost bracket, with blankets being slightly more affordable."You can purchase a fire extinguisher for $25-$50 USD or fire blankets for $18-$30 USD at your local home improvement store," Zachary says.
Where Should You Store Fire Blankets?
When it comes to fire safety, the location of preventative and extinguishing tools is incredibly important. To start, your fire blanket should be stored in (or very near) your kitchen, "since that is the most likely source of a future fire," says Robert Troxel, a reconstruction project manager. He adds, "take the fire blanket out of its plastic bag and store it a accessible space." And at all costs, pick a storage location that's dry since moisture can compromise the blanket's effectiveness and durability. Plus, a dry storage spot will mitigate mold, mildew, or other elements that could potentially degrade the blanket's fire-resistant properties over time.
Garages can also be a second best choice. "Most commonly [fire blankets] are stored in the kitchen pantry or on a shelf in the garage that can be accessed quickly," Troxel says. But no matter which location you choose, be sure it's safe and accessible to as many household adults as possible "so you can efficiently react and engage the fire for suppression."
Be strategic about your storage location based on your home's configuration and the needs of your household members. For example, if you have a family with shorter individuals or older adults who may have difficulty reaching or lifting heavier items, place your blanket in a lower cabinet. Or, if you're storing it in an enclosed space, keep it visible and unobstructed by other items for quick access in an emergency.
How Do You Use a Fire Blanket?
If you've never used a fire blanket before, the steps are pretty straightforward. First, make sure you've kept your blanket in the right condition (as outlined earlier), and removed its plastic cover. When an emergency strikes, "simply unfold the blanket and place over the fire on the stove and allow the fire to extinguish itself. If you raise the blanket and there is still an active fire, [reposition] the blanket over the fire and allow the blanket time to fully suppress the fire," Zachary says.
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Which Emergencies Can Fire Blankets Really Help in?
Apart from basic kitchen scenarios, you can also use fire blankets to protect yourself from serious injuries and contain small fires before they escalate into major emergencies.
For example, "In one specific case, the homeowner was frying his turkey in the garage with the door open for ventilation. During the process, a grease fire ignited and caught the homeowners shirt on fire. Fortunately, the homeowner had a fire blanket close and was able to wrap his arm in the blanket to extinguish the fire and minimize the severity of the burn to his arm," Troxel shares.
Zachary agrees— fire blankets can double as protective gear, so it's essential to keep one nearby and accessible anytime you're taking part in any activities that can potentially turn into fire hazards.
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Additional Fire Safety Tips to Consider
If possible, also reflect on whether or not having more than one fire blanket could enhance the overall fire safety of your home. For example, if you have multiple zones in your home or work locations that can be prone to fires—workrooms, outdoor kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, to list a few—keeping one in each space could provide an extra layer of protection.
Regardless of which fire safety tool(s) you feel comfortable relying on, Troxel and Zachary urge homeowners and renters to stay vigilant and take immediate action at the time of fire emergency. "Whenever you have a fire at your home, call 911 for support from your local fire departments first. If you are able to put the fire out before they arrive—they will not be upset," Zachary says. "It just makes sense to have them in the event you can not successfully put the fire out before they arrive. Safety first."
