A fire blanket is one of the simplest and most affordable tools you can keep in your kitchen to help tackle small fires. But while they all look fairly similar on the outside, not all fire blankets offer the same protection, and buying a cheap one could put you at serious risk.
What is a Fire Blanket Used For?
Fire blankets are designed to smother small fires, cutting off oxygen and helping to prevent flames from spreading. They’re especially useful for oil pan fires of up to 3 litres, which are common in home kitchens. Larger fire blankets can also be used on clothing fires, provided they’re properly rated and of high quality.
These blankets are easy to store, often coming in a soft, wipe-clean pouch that hangs neatly on a wall or inside a cupboard.
How to Use a Fire Blanket
Using a fire blanket is straightforward, and learning how to do it correctly can make all the difference in an emergency:
- Pull the two black tabs – This releases the blanket from its pouch.
- Hold the tabs toward your body – This helps shield you from the flames.
- Drape the blanket gently over the fire – Aim to fully cover the flames to cut off the oxygen supply.
- Turn off the heat source if it’s safe to do so – Whether gas or electric, cutting the power reduces the chance of reignition.
- Don’t touch or move the pan afterwards – It will remain dangerously hot for a long time.
- Call the fire brigade immediately – Let professionals assess and finish extinguishing the fire.
Avoid the temptation to move the pan to the sink or outside. Water or fresh air can cause the fire to flare up, and carrying it can lead to burns or spills.
The Problem with Cheap Fire Blankets
It’s easy to be lured by low prices on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, but there are serious issues with many of the budget fire blankets found online. Some make false claims, such as being “CE Standard”, but there is no CE mark for fire blankets. Others include poorly translated instructions or contradictory safety advice, like saying not to use on clothing fires while showing exactly that in their graphics.
Even when they look legitimate, many of these blankets lack key safety features. They might not be silicone-coated, which means the fibreglass fabric can flake, causing skin irritation or reducing performance. They may also lack date labels, which are essential for tracking the product’s lifespan.
What Makes a Quality Fire Blanket?
A good fire blanket should meet British safety standards and carry a visible British Standard Kitemark, showing it has been independently tested and approved. It should also feel solid—heavier blankets tend to use denser, higher-quality materials that provide better protection.
Vigil Products fire blankets are silicone-coated for superior heat resistance and come with a five-year warranty. The manufacturing date is marked on the tabs, making it easy to check when it’s time for a replacement.
When Should You Replace a Fire Blanket?
The Fire Industry Association recommends replacing fire blankets every seven years. Vigil blankets come with a five-year warranty and are simple to dispose of once their lifespan is up. Replacements are inexpensive, with many high-quality options available for under £10, depending on size.
A fire blanket is something you hope you’ll never have to use, but if the moment comes, you’ll want one you can rely on. Don’t take risks with cheap imports or questionable online listings. Choose a reputable, tested product from a brand like Vigil Products, and store it somewhere accessible in your kitchen.
It’s a small investment for a product that could save your home or your life.
Learn more about how these blankets can help protect your kitchen in our Fire Blanket EXPLAINED video:
