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? (1 × 1 m vs 1.2 × 1.8 m)
Choosing the correct fire blanket size is not simply a matter of price or personal preference. The blanket must be large enough to completely cover the fire while still being manageable for the person expected to use it.
For conventional EN 1869:2019 fire blankets, DVM offers two principal sizes: 1 × 1 m and 1.2 × 1.8 m. Each size has a different role. The 1 × 1 m blanket is compact and well suited to many small cooking and appliance fires, while the 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket provides substantially more coverage and is the preferred DVM size where clothing-fire intervention or broader professional risks must be considered.
This guide explains the differences, typical applications, packaging choices and purchasing considerations for private users, professional buyers, distributors, OEM customers and private-label partners worldwide.
Why fire blanket size matters
A conventional fire blanket works by completely covering a small, contained fire and restricting the oxygen available to the flames. The burning area must fit beneath the blanket without requiring the user to reach over exposed fire.
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;
- the people expected to use the blanket; and
- the risk assessment for the location.
No conventional 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.
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;
- staff kitchens and shared kitchens; and
- additional fire-blanket protection in offices and other professional environments.
The 1 × 1 m size is compact, easy to store and manageable for most users. It is therefore particularly suitable where the expected fire can be fully covered by a relatively small blanket.
For more information about cooking applications, see Fire Blankets for Kitchens & Cooking Fires →
Independent testing of the DVM 1 × 1 m series
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 →
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 greater coverage is required or where clothing-fire intervention forms part of the risk assessment.
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 a risk assessment identifies the need for additional coverage.
The larger format provides more material for controlled handling and can cover more of an adult's body during a clothing-fire incident. The person's face and airway must always remain clear.
For specific guidance, see Fire Blankets for Clothing Fires: Safe First Response →
Independent testing of the DVM 1.2 × 1.8 m series
DVM is extending its independent EN 1869:2019 test programme to the 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket Series. The corresponding TÜV SÜD test report will be added to DVM's technical documentation when available.
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 domestic pans and compact appliances | Useful where wider equipment or more coverage is required |
| Clothing-fire preparedness | Limited body coverage; not the preferred DVM size | Preferred DVM size for greater body coverage |
| Storage | More compact | Requires more storage and deployment space |
| Typical environment | Homes, kitchens, mobile and compact installations | Homes, schools, care facilities and professional environments |
| DVM independent test status | TÜV SÜD tested to EN 1869:2019 | TÜV SÜD EN 1869:2019 testing being added to the programme |
Some homes and organisations deliberately install different sizes in different risk areas. A compact kitchen blanket and a larger blanket for clothing-fire preparedness can serve different purposes within the same building.
Bag or box: which packaging should you choose?
Blanket size does not determine whether a flexible bag or rigid box must be used. Both formats can contain the same fire blanket specification. Packaging should be selected according to the installation environment, visibility requirements, transport needs and risk of external damage.
Safety Bag
- compact storage is important;
- the blanket is used in a vehicle, camper, caravan or boat;
- available wall space is limited;
- a lightweight packaging format is preferred; or
- products must be packed efficiently for distribution or OEM programmes.
Premium Box
- the blanket requires a permanent wall-mounted location;
- clear visibility and presentation are important;
- the packaging needs additional external protection; or
- the blanket is installed in a shared or professional environment.
For a broader comparison of product selection factors, see the Fire Blanket Buying Guide →
Does size determine fire performance?
No. Size determines coverage, but it does not by itself determine the heat resistance, construction quality or compliance of a fire blanket.
- fiberglass quality;
- fabric weight;
- weave density;
- seams and edge construction;
- pull tabs and packaging;
- finished dimensions;
- product traceability; and
- documented fire performance.
DVM conventional fire blankets are manufactured from densely woven fiberglass fabric of at least 430 g/m². Fabric weight is a useful measurable specification, but it should never be treated as the only indicator of quality or fire performance.
For more information about standards, testing and product documentation, see Fire Blanket Standards, Compliance & Certification →
EN 1869:2019 as a worldwide procurement benchmark
EN 1869:2019 is the established European product standard for conventional fire blankets. For professional purchasers elsewhere in the world, it also provides a clear technical benchmark where no equivalent national fire-blanket product standard is specified.
International buyers should always verify any additional national or local requirements that apply in their market. But specifying a fire blanket against EN 1869:2019 gives distributors, importers, OEM customers and institutional purchasers a defined basis for comparing products and supporting documentation.
Conventional Fire Blankets are not Fire Limitation Blankets
DVM supplies two distinctly different fire-safety product categories.
The 1 × 1 m and 1.2 × 1.8 m products discussed in this guide are conventional fire blankets intended for small, contained fires and appropriate clothing-fire intervention.
A Fire Limitation Blanket (FLB) is a much larger specialist product intended for professional vehicle-fire scenarios, including electric vehicles. It is not simply an oversized EN 1869 fire blanket and should not be selected using the same size criteria.
This distinction is important for professional buyers: the intended fire scenario, product standard, deployment method and technical documentation are fundamentally different.
How to choose the correct fire blanket 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 completely cover the identified fire risk while remaining manageable for the intended users.
Choosing fire blankets for professional, OEM and private-label programmes
For professional purchasers, size selection is only one part of the specification. Distributors, importers, OEM customers and private-label partners should also consider:
- consistent dimensions and material specifications;
- EN 1869:2019 test documentation;
- product and batch traceability;
- bag or box packaging;
- instructions and language requirements;
- branding and private-label artwork;
- inspection and replacement policy;
- order volumes and logistics; and
- consistency between production batches.
For organisations purchasing multiple fire blankets, using one defined specification across locations can simplify procurement, inspection and replacement.
Professional buyers can also use the DVM Fire Blanket Reference Specification → to compare products and supporting documentation systematically.
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 →
Related fire blanket guides
- Fire Blankets for Kitchens & Cooking Fires
- Fire Blankets in Professional Environments
- Fire Blankets for Vehicles, Garages & Recreational Use
- Fire Blanket Installation, Inspection & Replacement Guide
- Fire Blanket Buying Guide
Still unsure which fire blanket you need?
For answers about fire types, sizes, safe use, EN 1869:2019, inspection and replacement, visit our Fire Blanket FAQs or compare the DVM fire blanket range directly.