NON FLAMMABLE FIRE BLANKETS FOR HOME, OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL USE

Fire blankets are simple first-response fire-safety devices designed to smother certain small, localised fires by covering the burning material and restricting the oxygen available to the flames. They are particularly useful around cooking areas, kitchens, restaurants, hotels, schools, offices, laboratories, workshops and other premises where small contained fires may occur.

A fire blanket can be useful for suitable cooking-oil or fat fires and, where the blanket is sufficiently large and appropriate for the application, clothing fires. Unlike other fire safety solutions, fire blankets should only be used when the fire is small and manageable and when using the blanket does not place the user at risk. Guidance for fire-risk assessment also recommends locating a blanket close to the hazard it is intended to address while ensuring it can be safely accessed during an emergency

Fire blankets are available in different materials, sizes and protective enclosures. Typical products may feature:

Fire-resistant woven fabric, commonly glass-fibre-based or another approved fire-resistant material
Protective wall-mounted pouch or rigid container
Pull-down tabs, handles or release straps
Compact storage and rapid deployment
Suitable size for the intended application
Wall-mounting arrangement
Product labelling and instructions
Certification or conformity information where applicable

Common sizes include 1.0 × 1.0 m, 1.2 × 1.2 m, 1.2 × 1.8 m and 1.8 × 1.8 m, although availability varies by manufacturer. For example, BSI’s product directory includes certified 1.2 × 1.8 m and 1.8 × 1.8 m fire blankets, demonstrating that these dimensions are used in products assessed to BS EN 1869.

The exact material, dimensions, temperature rating, certification, enclosure type and intended fire application should be confirmed against the manufacturer’s datasheet for the specific product supplied.

How a Fire Blanket Works

A fire blanket is placed over a suitable small fire to separate the flames from the surrounding air. By restricting the oxygen available to the fire, the blanket can help suppress the flames.

The blanket should be deployed carefully according to its manufacturer’s instructions. The user should avoid exposing themselves to flames, smoke or excessive heat and should evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled safely.

A fire blanket does not cool every type of fire and is not a replacement for an appropriate fire extinguisher or a properly designed fire detection and alarm system.

Fire blankets can be appropriate for a range of Kenyan residential, commercial and institutional environments, including:

Homes and residential kitchens
Restaurants and commercial kitchens
Hotels and guest houses
Schools and universities
Offices
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Laboratories
Workshops
Factories
Staff accommodation
Catering facilities
Other premises with suitable localised fire risks

In commercial kitchens, a fire blanket can provide an additional first-response measure for certain cooking-related fires. However, the appropriate fire extinguisher and other fire-safety equipment should also be selected according to the hazards present.

For workplace environments in Kenya, fire-fighting provisions should be appropriate to the circumstances and properly maintained. The Occupational Safety and Health Act includes requirements concerning workplace fire-fighting appliances, their accessibility, maintenance and inspection.

Fire Blanket Sizes

The appropriate blanket size depends on the intended application.

1.2 × 1.2 m:
A commonly available general-purpose size.

1.8 × 1.8 m:
Provides a larger surface area and may be selected for applications requiring greater coverage.

The size should be selected according to the fire risk, intended application, available storage location and manufacturer’s instructions, rather than simply choosing the largest blanket.

Fire blankets provide several practical advantages:

Rapid deployment: A correctly stored blanket can be accessed quickly during an appropriate emergency.
No extinguishing-agent residue: Unlike many portable extinguishers, a blanket does not discharge powder, foam or other extinguishing agents.
Simple storage: Most units are supplied in compact wall-mounted pouches or containers.
No mains power required: Standard fire blankets are passive safety products.
Useful supplementary protection: They can complement extinguishers and other fire-safety equipment.
Versatile applications: Suitable models can address certain small cooking or clothing fires.

Fire blankets should form part of an overall fire-safety strategy rather than being relied upon as the only form of fire protection.

Installation & Positioning

A fire blanket does not normally require technical installation in the same way as a fire alarm or suppression system. The important consideration is accessibility and correct positioning.

The container should be mounted or placed where it can be reached quickly without requiring a person to approach the fire unnecessarily. It should be clearly identifiable and should not be obstructed by equipment, furniture or stored materials.

Fire-risk guidance recommends positioning fire blankets close to the hazard they are intended to address while ensuring that they remain safely accessible.

Solutions Unlimited can advise on appropriate fire blanket size, location and complementary fire-safety equipment according to the requirements of the premises.

Fire Blankets and Cooking Fires

Fire blankets are commonly associated with small cooking fires involving suitable containers of oil or fat. They can be useful as part of kitchen fire protection, but users should understand the limitations of the equipment.

For premises with significant cooking-oil risks, a fire blanket should not automatically be considered sufficient protection. Appropriate extinguishing equipment should be selected according to the fire hazards present. Fire-safety guidance specifically identifies fire blankets as an additional measure for cooking risks alongside suitable extinguishers.

Fire Blankets for Clothing Fires

A sufficiently large and appropriately rated fire blanket may be used to help smother a person’s clothing if it catches fire. The user should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and established emergency procedures.

Where there is any doubt about whether the situation can be controlled safely, the priority should be to raise the alarm, evacuate and obtain emergency assistance rather than attempting to fight the fire.

Limitations

A fire blanket is designed for small, contained fires within its intended application. It should not be used where:

The fire is rapidly spreading
Flames are too large to safely cover
There is significant smoke or heat exposure
The user cannot approach the fire safely
The blanket is too small for the application
The fire involves a hazard for which the blanket is not rated

A blanket also does not detect fire, alert occupants automatically or replace a fire alarm system.

For larger commercial or industrial premises, a broader fire-safety assessment should determine whether fire alarms, extinguishers, hose reels, emergency lighting, suppression systems and other measures are required.

Product Quality & Standards

Where applicable, customers should look for fire blankets supported by appropriate manufacturer documentation and recognised product standards.

BS EN 1869 is a recognised standard for fire blankets, and BSI’s certification directory provides examples of fire blankets assessed against the standard in several sizes.

However, a general reference to BS EN 1869 should not be interpreted as certification of every fire blanket on the market. The actual certification or conformity status should be verified for the specific product supplied.

Solutions Unlimited supplies fire blankets and other fire-safety products for residential, commercial and institutional applications in Kenya.

Our team can assist with selecting suitable sizes, storage arrangements and complementary fire-safety equipment according to the requirements of the premises. Fire blankets supplied by Solutions Unlimited are backed by up to 2 years manufacturer’s warranty, 14 days of free technical support and lifetime virtual support, subject to the applicable product and service terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fire blanket?

A fire blanket is a fire-resistant sheet designed to cover certain small fires and restrict the oxygen available to the flames.

What fires can a fire blanket be used on?

Suitable fire blankets may be used for certain small cooking-oil or fat fires and clothing fires. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the fire is small enough to address safely.

Can a fire blanket replace a fire extinguisher?

No. Fire blankets and fire extinguishers serve different purposes and should be selected according to the fire hazards present. In many premises they are complementary safety measures.

What size fire blanket should I buy?

The appropriate size depends on the intended application and fire risk. Common sizes include 1.0 × 1.0 m, 1.2 × 1.2 m, 1.2 × 1.8 m and 1.8 × 1.8 m. The manufacturer’s intended application should be checked before selection.

Are fire blankets suitable for commercial kitchens?

They can provide useful supplementary protection for appropriate small cooking fires. Commercial kitchens should also have suitable fire extinguishing equipment and an appropriate fire-safety plan.

Where should a fire blanket be kept?

It should be stored where it is clearly identifiable, readily accessible and close to the relevant hazard, while remaining far enough from the hazard that a person can safely retrieve it.

Do fire blankets expire?

The service life depends on the material, storage conditions and manufacturer. A blanket should be replaced if it has been used, damaged, contaminated or otherwise no longer meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

Do fire blankets require maintenance?

They do not require the same servicing process as a pressurised extinguisher, but they should be visually inspected periodically to ensure the packaging, blanket and release mechanism remain in suitable condition.

Are fire blankets suitable for every type of fire?

No. They are intended for specific small-fire applications. If a fire is large, spreading rapidly or unsafe to approach, occupants should raise the alarm, evacuate and obtain professional assistance.

Solutions Unlimited supplies a wide range of fire blanket types and sizes, helping clients access compliant fire safety products at competitive and transparent pricing. For clients seeking where to buy fire blankets in Nairobi and across Kenya at fair prices, our experienced team provides professional guidance on selecting the right fire blanket for each environment. We serve customers in Nairobi, Thika, Meru, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisii, Nakuru, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Kericho, Namanga, Busia, and other major towns nationwide.

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