When Should You Not Use A Fire Blanket?

Have you ever been unsure if a fire blanket is the best tool in certain emergencies?
Fire blankets are designed to handle small fires, but there are critical situations where they fall short.
In this article, we’ll discuss the limitations of fire blankets and when other fire safety measures are necessary.
You’ll discover why it’s important to recognize the fire blanket’s limitations, especially in high-risk scenarios like electrical fires or large blazes.
We’ll also share safety tips to help you make the right call in a fire emergency.

What is a Fire Blanket?

A fire blanket is an essential piece of fire safety equipment designed to help control small fires. Typically made from fire-resistant materials like fiberglass or specially treated wool, the blanket works by suffocating the fire. It does this by cutting off the oxygen supply, which is one of the key components needed for combustion.

Fire blankets are ideal for tackling small kitchen fires, especially those involving oils or grease, which can spread rapidly if not handled properly. They are also useful for putting out fires on clothing, as they can be wrapped around a person to extinguish the flames before serious injury occurs.

However, fire blanket limitations become clear when the fire grows larger or involves hazardous materials. They are not effective for large fires or fires involving electrical equipment. In these cases, more specialized equipment, like fire extinguishers, is necessary. Understanding these fire blanket safety tips ensures that the tool is used correctly and safely in the right situations.

Situations When You Should Not Use a Fire Blanket

Large Fires

Fire blankets are not effective for large fires. These blankets work by covering small, localized fires to cut off their oxygen supply. When a fire spreads beyond the size of the blanket, it can continue burning. In such situations, using a fire blanket may not only be ineffective, but it can also put you at greater risk. For large fires, it's essential to use more powerful fire safety tools or call the fire department.

Fast-Spreading Fires

When a fire spreads rapidly, a fire blanket is not a reliable tool. Fires can grow exponentially in a matter of seconds, especially in certain environments. Fast-spreading fires demand quick action and more advanced fire suppression methods. Fire blankets are best suited for early-stage fires, and if the fire escalates quickly, it’s safer to evacuate and call professional help.

Damaged or Old Fire Blankets

A damaged or old fire blanket should never be used during an emergency. Over time, fire blankets can degrade, losing their effectiveness. Holes, tears, or signs of wear can allow oxygen to reach the fire, causing it to keep burning. If your fire blanket is in poor condition, it won’t be able to suffocate the fire properly. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged fire blankets are crucial for safety.

Fires Involving Accelerants

Never use a fire blanket on fires caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or solvents. These fires behave unpredictably and can spread rapidly, making it dangerous to use a fire blanket. Additionally, the fire can cause the liquid to splatter, potentially causing burns or allowing the fire to escape control. For fires involving accelerants, it is safer to use a fire extinguisher designed for flammable liquids or to evacuate immediately.

Electrical Fires

Using a fire blanket on an electrical fire requires caution. While a fire blanket can be used on small electrical fires, it should only be applied after ensuring that the power source is turned off. Electrical fires can continue burning as long as the electricity is active, and using a fire blanket without cutting off the power increases the risk of electrocution. For larger electrical fires, you should always use a fire extinguisher for electrical fires instead.

Toxic Chemical Fires

A fire blanket cannot effectively handle toxic chemical fires. Chemical fires can release dangerous gases that are harmful to your health. Fire blankets do not filter or contain these toxic fumes, making them unsafe for use in such fires. In the event of a chemical fire, evacuate immediately and call emergency services for proper guidance and fire suppression methods.

Fires with Explosive Risks

If a fire poses a risk of explosion, a fire blanket should never be used. The sudden and intense nature of explosions can cause flames to spread uncontrollably and may worsen the situation. A fire blanket can disturb the flames, potentially triggering an explosion. If you suspect a fire may lead to an explosion, evacuate the area and alert the fire department for expert handling of the situation.

Metal Fires

Fires involving combustible metals like lithium, magnesium, or sodium require specialized extinguishing methods. Fire blankets are not effective for such fires, as the temperature can exceed the blanket’s heat-resistance capabilities. Metal fires often require Class D fire extinguishers, which are specifically designed to tackle fires involving metals. Using a fire blanket in this case could make the fire worse or put you in harm’s way.

Why These Situations Are Dangerous

Using a fire blanket incorrectly can significantly increase the danger during a fire. Fire blanket limitations must be understood to avoid worsening the situation. For example, in the case of large fires, a fire blanket is ineffective because it cannot cover the spread of flames. Attempting to use it could put you in closer proximity to the fire, increasing the risk of injury or smoke inhalation.

Similarly, fast-spreading fires require more immediate and powerful action. A fire blanket is not designed to handle flames that spread quickly. Attempting to use it can waste crucial time, preventing you from evacuating or calling for help promptly, which allows the fire to spread uncontrollably.

In situations where the fire blanket is damaged or old, it may not perform as expected. A compromised fire blanket cannot properly smother the flames, as holes or tears in the material allow oxygen to reach the fire, prolonging the burn. This increases the risk of the fire continuing or getting worse, putting you in greater danger.

When dealing with flammable liquids, such as oil or gasoline, using a fire blanket can be hazardous. The fire can quickly spread, and the blanket may cause the flammable liquid to splatter, which increases the likelihood of burns or further spreading the flames. Fire blanket safety tips emphasize the need for specialized extinguishers for these types of fires.

For electrical fires, using a fire blanket without first cutting off the power can lead to serious electrical shock. Electrical fires are fueled by live power, and attempting to suppress them with a fire blanket without turning off the electricity increases the risk of electrocution.

Toxic chemical fires present a significant danger because fire blankets do not filter or contain harmful fumes. These fires release dangerous gases that can cause respiratory issues, making it crucial to evacuate immediately and call emergency services for professional assistance.

When a fire has the potential for an explosion, using a fire blanket can be disastrous. The blanket could disturb the fire, potentially triggering an explosion. In these cases, it’s essential to avoid using a fire blanket and to rely on appropriate fire suppression tools or evacuate the area and call the fire department.

Lastly, metal fires require specific extinguishing methods, such as Class D fire extinguishers, due to the extremely high temperatures metals can burn at. Fire blankets are not designed to handle these high temperatures, and attempting to use one could cause the fire to worsen or result in injury.

Alternative Fire Safety Measures

A fire blanket is not always the most suitable option for every type of fire. In situations where a fire is too large or rapidly spreading, fire extinguishers become the better alternative. For example, Class B extinguishers are ideal for flammable liquid fires, while Class C extinguishers are necessary for electrical fires. These tools are designed to handle more intense or specialized fires, making them essential when a fire blanket's limitations are reached.

Another option is fire sprays, which can quickly suppress small fires, especially when access is limited or when the fire is too large for a fire blanket to cover. These sprays are easy to use and can target the fire from a distance, offering a faster response in some situations.

Having a combination of fire safety tools ensures that you’re prepared for a range of emergency scenarios. Whether it’s a small kitchen fire or an electrical fire, using the right tool is crucial. Fire blanket limitations are clear in situations like large or fast-spreading fires, and having multiple tools on hand can help you respond effectively to different types of fires.

Conclusion

It's crucial to understand when not to use a fire blanket to avoid worsening the situation during a fire. Fire blankets are ineffective for large fires or fast-spreading fires and should not be used when dealing with flammable liquids, electrical fires, or metal fires. These scenarios require more specialized fire suppression tools to ensure safety.

Fire blanket limitations must be considered to prevent incorrect use, which can lead to injury or further damage. Always be aware of the risks and know when to switch to other fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers or fire sprays. Regular inspection and maintenance of fire safety equipment are vital to ensuring its reliability when you need it most.