Fire. Since it was invented or discovered it has been extremely useful for keeping us warm, cooking our food, a source of light in the dark, protecting us from predators, tool making, warding off evil spirits, and even killing bacteria in our drinking water so we don’t get sick like in the old floppy disk computer game “The Oregon Trail.” But as beneficial as fire was for our early ancestors, when things went sideways with fire, it usually went sideways quick.

With all of those wonderful uses for fire also comes the hazards of using it... but they figured it out. Woolen blankets, used alone or doused with water, created an effective fire-fighting tool. So, with water being the oldest and most effective fire extinguisher known to man, the fire blanket may be the second oldest.

Fire needs three essential components for combustion, also known as the “fire triangle”: fuel, heat and oxygen. Oxygen is the most crucial external factor. You can have heat and fuel, but without oxygen, the fire cannot continue the chemical reaction of combustion. 

You see, wool is naturally fire resistant, so by using wool blankets, clothing, rugs, or heavy materials to cover fire, the wool deprives fire of what it needs most to spread or reignite: oxygen. In the mid-20th century, asbestos was added to these blankets because of its excellent heat resistant qualities. We know now the health hazards associated with asbestos, which include various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Later, woven fiberglass became the go-to material to add to these blankets, and some modern designs have been developed that are environmentally friendly.

These blankets have evolved over time and are therefore staples in todays

household/commercial kitchens, industrial settings, and laboratories, and are considered essential safety equipment because of their effectiveness and ease of use. They can be used for putting out small fires, clothing fires, grease fires, and, up until recently, helping combat lithium-ion battery fires. Note: lithium-ion battery fires require a specialty fire blanket.

According to The Health and Safety Blog (hseblog.com) post “What is a Fire Blanket? Types, Uses and How it Works,” fire blankets smother the flames, are heat resistant and insulated, can keep your hands safe by covering and insulating them from fire, prevent reignition, and are effective at extinguishing clothing fires.

Fire blankets are made of different materials, come in different sizes, and are made specifically for combating different fire temperatures, so knowing which blanket to purchase and use is of utmost importance.

“The type of fire blanket you choose depends on the environment and potential fire risks. For example:

• Fiberglass fire blankets are ideal for kitchens and homes because they are lightweight and effective.

• Wool fire blankets work well in chemical labs where personal protection is crucial.

• Cotton fire blankets provide comfort during evacuation but are better for low-risk scenarios.

• Industrial fire blankets offer superior protection in high-temperature environments, such as manufacturing plants.”

Like all safety equipment, they also recommend conducting regular inspections and safety drills using them, replacing them every seven years if they have not been used, and replacing them immediately once deployed for action, as they are designed for one-time use.

Here is The Health and Safety Blogs step-by-step guide for how to use a fire blanket:

“Step 1: Pull The Fire Blanket From Its Storage Pouch. Fire blankets are kept in quick-release containers or pouches for easy access during emergencies.

Step 2: Protect Your Hands. Shielding your hands from heat and flames prevents burns while placing the blanket over the fire.

Step 3: Approach The Fire Safely. Caution is essential to avoid injury or worsening the situation.

Step 4: Place The Blanket Over The Fire. The fire blanket works by smothering the flames and cutting off the oxygen supply, which is essential for combustion.

Step 5: Turn Off The Heat Source (If Safe To Do So). Cutting off the heat source ensures the fire is fully extinguished and prevents reignition.

Step 6: Leave The Blanket In Place. Prematurely removing the blanket can reintroduce oxygen, leading to reignition.

Step 7: Call Emergency Services. Even if the fire appears extinguished, lingering heat or embers could reignite the flames.“

Ours is visible and immediately accessible on the side of our unit. If the exterior of your unit gets warm, it’s best to place your fire blanket securely on a nearby wall. You can contact your local fire department to requests fire blanket safety training and how to use one correctly.

Important Note: If the fire is too large or spreads too quickly, or you are not comfortable using a fire blanket, evacuate immediately and call 911.