Fire Blankets: How They Work and the EN 1869 Standard
What Is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a safety device woven from heat-resistant fiberglass yarn, designed to smother small to medium fires on first response. Fire needs three elements — heat, fuel and oxygen — and a fire blanket breaks that triangle by cutting off oxygen.
How to Use One
Unfold the blanket and lay it fully over the flame, holding the folded edges to protect your hands. Keep it in place until the fire is completely out and there's no risk of reignition. Fire blankets are single-use — once used on a fire, replace it with a new one.
The EN 1869 Standard and Where to Keep One
Fire blankets should be manufactured to the EN 1869 standard, which guarantees their fire-extinguishing performance and durability. They're recommended in kitchens (grease fires), factories, hotels, hospitals, schools, fuel stations, vehicles, boats and offices — essentially anywhere fire risk exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a fire blanket handle any fire?+
It's effective on small, un-spread fires — especially kitchen/grease fires and clothing fires on a person. Larger or spreading fires need a fire extinguisher and fire department response.
Can a fire blanket be reused?+
No — once a blanket has been exposed to fire, it should be replaced rather than reused.