Fire Blankets: How to Use Them and Where Every Building Needs One
Updated: November 2026 2 min readBy the Vinsafe fire safety team
In short: A fire blanket is the fastest way to smother a small kitchen fire or wrap a person whose clothes are on fire. How to use it and where to keep one.
A fire blanket is one of the simplest pieces of fire safety equipment, yet many kitchens, labs and workshops still don't have one. It is inexpensive, needs no refilling and anyone can use it with a few seconds of instruction.
What is a fire blanket?
It is a sheet of fire-resistant material, usually woven glass fibre, packed in a quick-release pouch. Pulled over a small fire, it cuts off oxygen and smothers the flames.
Where to keep a fire blanket
- Office pantries and staff canteens
- Restaurant and hotel kitchens
- School and college science labs
- Workshops and garages
- Near welding and hot work
- Caravans, boats and site offices
How to use a fire blanket on a pan fire
1. Turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so.
2. Pull the tapes sharply to release the blanket from its pouch.
3. Hold the blanket by the tapes, with your hands wrapped in it to protect them. 4. Place it gently over the pan, away from you. Don't throw it.
5. Leave it in place until everything has fully cooled, at least 30 minutes.
6. Never lift the blanket to check. The fire can reignite.
If someone's clothes catch fire
Stop, drop and roll. Wrap the person in the blanket to smother the flames, then cool burns with running water and get medical help.
Specialised blankets
- Battery fire blankets for e-bikes, laptops and battery packs
- EV car fire blankets for electric vehicles in parking areas (see our EV charging blog) Buying tips
Choose a blanket tested to a recognised standard, with a clearly marked quick-release pouch. Mount it on the wall near the exit side of the kitchen, not directly above the stove.
Products mentioned in this guide
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