VLITEX convinces in fire extinguishing test

VLITEX silicone-coated fiberglass blankets are an environmentally friendly and resource-saving alternative in preventive fire protection and fire fighting. In the recent past, the term “fire containment blanket” has become established, because that is what the blankets can do, especially in the case of battery fires: contain a fire. Experiencing them in practice is always impressive. During the fire extinguishing test in Sweden, the firefighters were able to see for themselves.

Those who are to deviate from proven methods often need to be convinced. In the process, new technologies often necessitate new approaches. This is also the case when extinguishing fires in motor vehicles. Where firefighters used to use water and foam, alternatives are now in demand as electric cars become more widespread. This is because batteries are known to be difficult or impossible to extinguish. In case of doubt, they are a potential danger for days because they can ignite again and again. Oodles of cooling water or even a container? Elaborate.

The VLITEX fire protection blanket is already part of the equipment of many fire departments. The Schwenders and their employees from VLITEX GmbH never tire of touring Germany and giving their comrades the opportunity to try their hand at extinguishing the fire. This was also the case recently in Sweden.

Not much to explain: unfold the blanket, lift it over the vehicle by long handles and lay it down evenly aligned. Some thoughtful gimmicks, such as centered markings on all sides, help with this. As unspectacular the application, as spectacular the effect: Immediately after lowering the blanket, the smoke development is reduced and the heat remains virtually under the blanket. Anything that burns conventionally is extinguished within a short time without the necessary oxygen supply. The battery burns down in a controlled manner.

“We are convinced of the future viability of our product,” says managing director Friedhelm Schwender. “Every fire contaminates extinguishing water, which usually seeps into the ground untreated – a battery fire in particular. But conventional vehicle fires with their vast quantities of different plastics are also real pollutant havens. The fact that we can do without water when extinguishing fires is well received by fire departments. After all, environmental thinking has long since arrived in fire protection as well.” What is not needed cannot be contaminated – that makes sense.

The extinguishing attempt is successful. As a precaution, the blanket remains on the vehicle for a while and could thus also secure the removal. And depending on the fire load, it can be used multiple times.

Fire Chief Olsson immediately thinks of other possible uses. “Whenever it’s complicated to get enough extinguishing agent to a hard-to-reach place, the fire blanket could help us – whether it’s a dumpster fire or a burning barricade at a protest.” In addition, a rapid response team with a fire blanket is ready much more quickly – especially if the blanket is already waiting on site, as is the case in some parking garages.

The fire extinguishing test in Sweden has shown that there are ways to fight fires in an environmentally friendly way. And the fire departments can also counter the increasing challenge of e-cars.

So it sounds like a real success story.

VLITEX is a brand of VLITEX GmbH (formerly Schwender GmbH). The Bayreuth-based company has been dedicated to the application possibilities of technical textiles made of glass fiber for many years. The VLITEX fire protection blankets have been tested and optimized for their suitability in numerous practical tests with renowned institutes.