Simple application - great effect: how the Fire blanket helps with fires
A Fire blanket is a tried-and-tested fire-fighting tool - especially for incipient fires in the home, kitchen, office, workshop or vehicle fires. But how exactly does it actually work? What happens when you place a Fire blanket over a fire? And what do you need to pay attention to when using it?
In this article, we explain step by step how a Fire blanket works, the physical principles at work and when it is particularly effective.
Table of contents
Basic principle: Oxygen deprivation extinguishes fire
Fire requires three things:
- Fuel
- Heat
- Oxygen
If you remove one of these components from the fire, it goes out. This is exactly what a Fire blanket does: it is placed over the flames and cuts off the oxygen supply, smothering the flames. It is therefore a physical extinguishing principle, completely without chemicals or pressure.
How is a Fire blanket used correctly?
The application is simple - but it must be done correctly for the blanket to be effective. This is how it works:
1. remove the blanket:
The Fire blanket is pulled out of the packaging by the handle straps - often from a wall box or bag.
2. assume a protective position:
Hold the blanket between you and the fire with your arms outstretched. This will protect your face and upper body from the heat and flames.
3. cover the flames:
Place the blanket carefully but completely over the flames. The source of the fire must be covered airtight - only then can the oxygen supply be effectively cut off.
4. waiting:
Leave the Fire blanket on the burn areafor at least 30 minutes without moving it. Pulling it off too early can lead to reignition.
5. follow-up inspection:
After the operation, the fire scene is checked for embers or hidden heat sources. It is always advisable to inform the fire department.
When is a Fire blanket particularly useful?
Fire blankets are suitable for so-called incipient fires - i.e. small fires that have not yet spread. They are particularly effective in these cases:
- Fire on electrical appliances (toaster, chargers, laptop)
- Paper or garbage fires indoors
- Fires in the camping area or motorhome
A classic Fire blanket is ideal for all these applications.
Limits of classic Fire blankets
Important to know: With lithium-ion battery fires (e.g. in e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops or electric cars), conventional Fire blankets reach their limits. This is because temperatures of over 1,000 °C, gas pressure and thermal chain reactions occur here - a classic Fire blanket often cannot withstand this, as we can see in our impressive comparison test with an e-scooter.
For such cases, VLITEX offers special fire blankets:
How a Fire blanket works - simple, safe, effective
The way a Fire blanket works is based on a simple principle: oxygen extraction. If used correctly, it can extinguish incipient fires reliably and without leaving any residue. This makes it an indispensable part of any fire protection concept - whether in the home, kitchen, vehicle or business.
The Fire blanket offers fast and safe protection, especially for small incipient fires - without water, powder or foaming agents.
Anyone who regularly works with batteries or works in sensitive areas should use a specialized fire blanket . This offers the same advantages as a Fire blanket, but can also withstand battery fires.
