What Size Fire Blanket Do I Need? (1×1 vs 1.2×1.8)
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What Size Fire Blanket Do I Need?
Choosing the correct fire blanket size is not simply a matter of preference or price. It determines whether the blanket can completely cover the fire or, where appropriate, provide sufficient coverage for a clothing-fire incident.
A blanket that is too small may leave flames exposed. A larger blanket provides more coverage, but it may also require more space and familiarity to deploy correctly.
This guide explains when a 1 × 1 m fire blanket is suitable and when the greater coverage of a 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket is the better choice.
Why fire blanket size matters
A fire blanket works by completely covering a small, contained fire and restricting its oxygen supply. The complete burning area must fit beneath the blanket without requiring the user to reach over exposed flames.
The correct dimensions therefore depend on:
- the expected fire source;
- the size of the pan, appliance or burning object;
- whether clothing-fire intervention must be considered;
- the available installation and deployment space; and
- the people expected to use the blanket.
No fire blanket should be used when the fire has grown too large to cover, when smoke or heat threatens the escape route, or when safe access cannot be maintained.
The 1 × 1 m fire blanket: when is it the right choice?
A 1 × 1 m fire blanket is a compact and practical choice for many small, contained fire risks.
Typical applications include:
- standard pans on domestic kitchen hobs;
- small cooking-oil or fat fires;
- small fires involving compact kitchen appliances;
- small BBQ or outdoor cooking incidents; and
- additional fire-blanket coverage in workplaces or shared buildings.
The 1 × 1 m size is:
- compact and easy to store;
- manageable for most users;
- quick to remove from suitable packaging; and
- well suited to many domestic and staff kitchens.
Typical installation locations include:
- domestic kitchens;
- shared kitchens;
- office kitchenettes;
- small catering areas; and
- campers, caravans or boats with compact cooking equipment.
Fire Blankets for Kitchen Fires →
The DVM 1 × 1 m fire blanket series has been independently tested by TÜV SÜD under controlled test conditions in accordance with EN 1869:2019.
View the TÜV SÜD test report and fire-test videos →
The 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket: when is more coverage needed?
A 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket provides substantially more surface area than a 1 × 1 m blanket. It is the preferred DVM size where clothing-fire intervention or wider fire risks must be considered.
Typical applications include:
- clothing fires involving a person;
- larger pans or cooking equipment;
- commercial and professional kitchens;
- workshops, laboratories and educational environments;
- care facilities and public buildings; and
- locations where additional coverage is required by the risk assessment.
The 1.2 × 1.8 m size:
- provides greater coverage for larger fire risks;
- can cover more of an adult’s body during a clothing-fire incident;
- offers additional material for controlled handling and wrapping; and
- is suitable for professional environments with varied fire risks.
Within the DVM range, the 1.2 × 1.8 m size is recommended where clothing-fire preparedness is an identified requirement. The person’s face and airway must always remain clear.
Fire Blankets for Clothing Fires →
Quick comparison: 1 × 1 m versus 1.2 × 1.8 m
| Consideration | 1 × 1 m | 1.2 × 1.8 m |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fire size | Small, contained fires | Small fires requiring greater coverage |
| Kitchen use | Suitable for many standard domestic pans and appliances | Useful for wider equipment and professional kitchens |
| Clothing-fire preparedness | Limited body coverage; not the preferred DVM size | Recommended DVM size for greater body coverage |
| Storage | More compact | Requires more storage and deployment space |
| Typical environment | Homes, small kitchens and mobile use | Homes, schools, care facilities and workplaces |
Some homes and organisations install different sizes in different risk areas. This may be appropriate where a compact kitchen blanket and a larger blanket for clothing-fire preparedness serve separate purposes.
Bag or box: which packaging should you choose?
The blanket size does not determine whether a flexible bag or rigid box must be used. Packaging should be selected according to the installation environment, visibility requirements and risk of external damage.
Safety Bag
A flexible bag may be preferable when:
- compact storage is important;
- the blanket is used in a vehicle, camper, caravan or boat;
- available wall space is limited; or
- a lightweight packaging format is preferred.
Premium Box
A rigid box may be preferable when:
- the blanket requires a permanent wall-mounted location;
- clear visibility is important;
- the packaging needs additional protection; or
- the blanket is installed in a shared or professional environment.
Both formats must remain clearly identifiable and accessible. The blanket should not be hidden behind the likely fire source or stored where heat, moisture or contamination could affect it.
Does size affect fire performance?
Size does not by itself determine the heat resistance or construction quality of a fire blanket. Those characteristics depend on factors such as:
- fibreglass quality;
- fabric weight;
- weave density;
- seams and edge construction;
- pull tabs and packaging;
- finished dimensions; and
- documented fire performance.
However, even a well-constructed blanket cannot work effectively when it is too small to cover the complete fire.
DVM fire blankets are manufactured from densely woven fibreglass fabric of at least 430 g/m². Fabric weight is one product characteristic and should not be used as the only measure of quality or performance.
Fibreglass Fire Blankets: Materials, GSM and Performance →
How to choose the correct size
Choose a 1 × 1 m fire blanket when:
- the expected fires are small and contained;
- standard pans or compact appliances are the principal risk;
- storage space is limited; and
- clothing-fire intervention is not the primary purpose.
Choose a 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket when:
- greater coverage is required;
- larger pans or equipment form part of the risk;
- clothing-fire intervention must be considered;
- the blanket is intended for a school, care facility or workplace; or
- the site risk assessment identifies a need for additional surface area.
The correct selection is the smallest practical size that can fully cover the identified fire risk while remaining manageable for the intended users.
View DVM fire blankets by size
DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket in Safety Bag →
DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket in Premium Box →
DVM 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket in Safety Bag →
DVM 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket in Premium Box →
Explore fire blanket applications
- Fire Blankets for Kitchen Fires
- Fire Blankets for Clothing and Person Fires
- Fire Blankets for Workplace Safety
- Fire Blankets for Candle and Living Room Fires
- Fire Blankets for Car, BBQ and Outdoor Fires
Still unsure which fire blanket you need?
For answers about fire types, sizes, safe use, EN 1869:2019, inspection, storage and replacement, visit our Fire Blanket FAQs.