The US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), together with the UL Fire Safety Research Institute, recently published a note critical of the use of extinguishing or fire blankets in burning electric vehicles. It warned that flammable gases could accumulate under the blanket, which - in the event of sudden access to oxygen - could ignite explosively. This assessment attracted international attention in the fire protection industry.
Table of contents
What exactly is it about?
In test scenarios, it was observed that highly flammable gases can accumulate under a fire blanket in the event of thermal escalation of lithium-ion batteries. If the blanket is then removed or ruptured, explosive ignition can occur. This dynamic is reminiscent of the well-known phenomenon of flashover, which has been known for decades in firefighting: there, too, a sudden supply of oxygen following a lack of oxygen leads to extremely rapid ignition of all flammable gases in the room. So the effect is nothing new - but it always requires professional tactics in action.
What really matters: Professional use
The danger described by the NFPA is not a fundamental argument against the use of fire blankets - but a clear plea for the trained and tactically correct use of them. Because even in classic room or industrial fires, it is vital to recognize flashover situations and react correctly. However, no one would think of not opening doors or not carrying out a smoke gas assessment for this reason.
The same applies to lithium-ion fires: A blanket is not a panacea - but it is a valuable tactical tool if you understand it and use it correctly.
VLITEX fire blankets - safe thanks to quality and concept
Our blankets have been specially developed for the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries. The PREMIUM quality VLITEX fire blankets are tested in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489 - a German specification that precisely simulates the operating conditions in electric vehicles. The blankets offer:
- Effective limitation of flame spread and reduction of smoke development
- Mechanical protection against explosive parts (burst protection)
- High temperature resistance and durability
The decisive factor here is that the ceilings are integrated into a comprehensive security concept.
Training is the key
We do not focus purely on product safety - but on user safety through knowledge. This is why VLITEX offers training courses and instructions for fire departments, workshops, parking garage operators and other users. The aim is to master the tactical use of the blankets - and to correctly classify the benefits, risks and limitations.
This is because fire blankets are not a substitute for extinguishing water or quarantine measures, but a tactical addition - especially for the first phase of a fire, to quickly control the spread and reduce the risk to emergency personnel and the surrounding area.
In addition, fire blankets are not only suitable for initial use to contain a fire, but also for post-fire containment. This is because damaged or thermally stressed batteries run the risk of re-igniting hours or even days after a fire has been extinguished. In such cases, the ceiling serves as a preventive protective measure and additional protective barrier
Conclusion
The NFPA's warning is important - because it contributes to a responsible and differentiated approach to fire blankets . VLITEX expressly supports this approach. Thanks to tested quality, training and a well thought-out safety concept, our blankets are an effective tactical tool - not despite, but precisely because of the challenges of modern lithium-ion technology.
