Essential Health and Safety Tips for Fire Blanket Use

It’s the rectangular red box tucked away somewhere in your office or under your kitchen sink. You know it’s there for emergencies, but according to safety experts, what you don’t know about your fire blanket could be the difference between a minor kitchen flare-up and a total property loss.

Here, the team at health and safety training experts High Speed Training share a definitive guide on the four things you should never do with a fire blanket.

Dr. Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training says: 

“Fire blankets are incredibly effective, but they aren’t ‘one size fits all’. They work on a simple scientific principle: removing oxygen. If you use them incorrectly, you aren’t just failing to put out the fire, you’re potentially feeding it or injuring yourself in the process”

1. NEVER use it on a large or spreading fire

A fire blanket is designed to contain small fires. 

Dr Anderson warns:

“If the flames are taller than you or spreading across the room, put the blanket down and get out. Fire blankets are for small stovetop fires or oil pans. Trying to tackle a large fire with a blanket is like trying to stop a flood with a towel. It won’t work, and you’re putting yourself in danger for far too long.”

2. NEVER “throw” the blanket onto the flames

In a moment of panic, the instinct is to toss the blanket from a distance. This is a critical mistake. 

Dr Anderson continues: 

“When you throw a blanket, you create a gust of air that can actually fan the flames or splash burning oil onto yourself.”

Instead, you must shield your hands by wrapping the blanket’s corners around them, then lay it over the fire to create an airtight seal.

3. NEVER “peek” too early

The most common mistake people make is lifting the blanket after a minute to see if the fire is out. 

Dr Anderson explains: 

“By lifting that blanket, you’re reintroducing oxygen to a heat source. This can cause a ‘re-flash,’ where the fire reignites instantly and aggressively.” 

Leave the blanket for at least 15 minutes. Even if the flames look gone, the heat remains; let it cool completely.

4. NEVER reuse a fire blanket (even if it looks clean)

Dr Anderson says: 

“Fire blankets are single-use safety devices. Once the fabric has been exposed to extreme heat or chemical residues from a fire, its structural integrity is compromised. If you use it once, it has done its job. Dispose of it and buy a new one immediately.”

How to Use a Fire Blanket Correctly:

• If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat source. 
• Pull the two tabs downwards to remove the blanket from its pouch. 
• Stretch the blanket out and wrap the corners around your hands for protection. 
• If tackling a small fire, lift the blanket above the fire, drop it onto the flames, and leave it there for at least 15 minutes.
• If tackling a fire involving a person’s clothing, wrap the blanket around the person, aiming for the burning area, and instruct them to stop, drop, and roll. 

Dr Anderson concludes: 

“Fire safety is about confidence and education. You must only use a fire blanket if you are confident in your ability to do so, as improper use can cause a fire to spread and increase the risk of harm.”