Fire Blanket Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Product

A fire blanket looks like a simple safety product, but not every blanket offers the same dimensions, construction, documentation or intended use.

A responsible buying decision should consider the complete product: the blanket fabric, seams, pull tabs, packaging, instructions, traceability and applicable test evidence.

This guide explains how to choose a suitable fire blanket for a home, workplace, shared building, camper, caravan or boat without relying only on price or general marketing claims.

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Step 1 – Identify the fire risk

Start with the fire you reasonably expect the blanket to address. A conventional fire blanket is intended for a small, contained and fully coverable fire.

Typical applications include:

• small pan fires involving cooking oil or fat;
• small cooking appliances;
• small burning objects or textiles;
• some small electrical-appliance fires after power isolation; and
• clothing-fire intervention when the blanket is sufficiently large.

A conventional household fire blanket is not intended for:

• large or spreading fires;
• gas fires where the gas supply continues to flow;
• combustible-metal fires;
• spreading petrol or solvent fires;
• developed vehicle or lithium-ion battery fires; or
• situations where safe access or escape cannot be maintained.

What Fire Classes Can a Fire Blanket Be Used On? →

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Step 2 – Choose the correct size

The blanket must be large enough to cover the entire burning area without requiring the user to reach over exposed flames.

1 × 1 m fire blanket

A 1 × 1 m blanket is suitable for many small, contained risks, including:

• standard domestic pans;
• small cooking-oil and fat fires;
• compact kitchen appliances;
• small BBQ incidents; and
• small, fully coverable objects.

Its compact dimensions make it practical to store and manageable for many household users.

1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket

A 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket provides greater coverage and is the preferred DVM size where:

• larger cooking equipment is present;
• commercial or professional kitchens are involved;
• clothing-fire preparedness must be considered;
• the risk assessment requires additional surface area; or
• the blanket is intended for a school, care facility or workplace.

A larger blanket is not automatically the correct choice in every location. It must remain practical for the intended users to remove, hold and position.

What Size Fire Blanket Do I Need? →

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Step 3 – Examine the complete construction

Most conventional fire blankets are made from woven fibreglass, but the material name alone does not demonstrate the performance of the finished product.

Check the following:

• fabric composition;
• fabric weight in grams per square metre;
• weave density and consistency;
• finished dimensions;
• edge and seam construction;
• pull tabs and their attachment;
• folding and packaging quality; and
• applicable test evidence for the complete product.

DVM fire blankets are manufactured from densely woven fibreglass fabric of at least 430 g/m².

For the DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket Series, this material specification forms part of the complete product construction that was independently tested by TÜV SÜD. The tested series successfully passed the cooking-oil fire-performance test in accordance with EN 1869:2019.

This means that DVM can support its kitchen and Class F cooking-oil and fat fire positioning with product-specific independent test evidence.

The combination of at least 430 g/m² woven fibreglass, the finished product construction and the successful TÜV SÜD test result is therefore an important and verifiable DVM product advantage.

Fabric weight should still not be considered in isolation when comparing unrelated products. Performance also depends on the weave, seams, dimensions, pull tabs, packaging, instructions and complete finished construction. A competing blanket that also states 430 g/m² has not automatically demonstrated the same fire performance.

Fibreglass Fire Blankets: Materials, GSM and Performance →

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Step 4 – Verify EN 1869:2019 documentation

For conventional fire blankets sold in Europe, buyers should look for clear and traceable documentation relating to EN 1869:2019.

Useful evidence may include:

• a product-specific test report;
• identification of the tested model, size and construction;
• cooking-oil fire-performance evidence;
• deployment and extraction test information;
• electrical-resistance verification;
• marking and instruction assessment; and
• batch or production traceability.

Avoid relying only on vague statements such as:

• “EN approved”;
• “European certified”;
• “tested material”;
• “fireproof”; or
• “suitable for all fires.”

The evidence must relate to the complete product being supplied, not merely to the raw fabric or an unidentified sample.

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Step 5 – Check the intended fire applications

Do not buy a fire blanket on the assumption that it is suitable for every European fire class.

A conventional fire blanket may be appropriate for:

• small Class A solid-material fires that can be fully covered;
• small Class F cooking-oil and fat fires;
• clothing fires with a sufficiently large blanket; and
• some small appliance fires after the power has been isolated.

It should not be relied upon for:

• Class C gas fires;
• Class D combustible-metal fires;
• spreading Class B fuel or solvent fires;
• high-voltage installations;
• developed lithium-ion battery fires; or
• fires that cannot be completely covered.

Electrical equipment under voltage is not a separate formal European fire class. The power supply should be isolated before intervention wherever this can be done safely.

Verified Class F performance for the DVM 1 × 1 m series

Cooking-oil and fat fires are classified as Class F fires in Europe. They require particular care because water can cause burning oil to erupt from the pan and spread the fire.

The DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket Series, made from woven fibreglass fabric of at least 430 g/m², successfully extinguished the cooking-oil fire used during the TÜV SÜD evaluation and passed the applicable assessment criteria documented in the EN 1869:2019 test report.

This provides independent, product-specific evidence for the DVM 1 × 1 m series in small, contained Class F cooking-oil and fat fire scenarios. The claim is based on the tested complete product and not on fabric weight alone.

Read the Fire Class Guide →

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Step 6 – Check the markings and instructions

The bag or box should clearly identify what the product is and how it must be used.

Check for:

• supplier or responsible economic operator identification;
• product model or type number;
• finished blanket dimensions;
• batch or production identification;
• reference to EN 1869:2019 where applicable;
• clear release and deployment pictograms;
• instructions in an appropriate language for the market;
• a discard-after-use statement; and
• inspection and storage guidance.

For clothing-fire use, verify that the product dimensions and instructions specifically support that application.

A product without clear instructions or traceability is difficult to evaluate and may be unsuitable for professional procurement.

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Step 7 – Choose between a Safety Bag and Premium Box

The packaging format affects protection, visibility and installation, but it does not change the underlying fire performance of the blanket itself.

Choose a Safety Bag when:

• compact storage is important;
• wall space is limited;
• the blanket is intended for a home or apartment;
• it will be installed in a camper, caravan or boat;
• a lightweight format is preferred; or
• mobile use forms part of the application.

The bag should remain clearly visible and immediately accessible. It should not be hidden inside a drawer or cupboard behind the likely fire source.

Choose a Premium Box when:

• permanent wall-mounted storage is required;
• visibility in a shared environment is important;
• the packed blanket requires additional external protection;
• the location is a workplace, school or care facility; or
• a consistent and clearly recognisable installation position is preferred.

Neither format should be exposed to excessive grease, moisture, chemicals or direct heat. A rigid box does not make an unsuitable installation environment safe.

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Step 8 – Select the correct installation location

A suitable fire blanket can still fail to help if it is stored in the wrong place.

Install it:

• near the identified risk, but not directly above or behind it;
• near a doorway or exit where possible;
• where the pull tabs remain clearly visible;
• within comfortable reach of the intended adult users;
• away from heat, steam, grease and moisture; and
• where access cannot be blocked by flames, furniture or equipment.

Do not install the blanket directly above the hob, behind the cooker or inside a closed cupboard.

Where Should You Keep a Fire Blanket? →

How to Install a Fire Blanket →

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Step 9 – Understand safe deployment

The intended users should read the instructions before an emergency occurs. Basic deployment generally involves:

1. raising the alarm and keeping an escape route available;
2. pulling the release tabs firmly downward;
3. holding the blanket so that it protects the hands and upper body;
4. approaching only when the fire is small and safely reachable;
5. placing the blanket carefully over the complete fire;
6. switching off the heat or power source where safe; and
7. leaving the fire covered until everything has cooled fully.

A fire blanket should not be described as requiring no instruction. The operating principle is simple, but users must still understand its limits.

How to Safely Use a Fire Blanket →

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Step 10 – Replace the blanket after use

A fire blanket used on an actual fire should be removed from service and replaced.

Do not:

• wash it;
• clean it for reuse;
• repair it;
• shake or brush off contamination; or
• refold it for emergency reuse.

Heat, smoke, grease and mechanical stress may affect the product even when visible damage appears limited.

Can You Reuse a Fire Blanket? →

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Step 11 – Check inspection and warranty arrangements

DVM recommends a documented visual inspection at least once every year. The inspection should confirm that the blanket:

• remains in its designated position;
• is visible and accessible;
• has intact packaging and pull tabs;
• has readable instructions;
• shows no visible contamination or damage; and
• has a known product and installation history.

Routine inspection should normally be performed without fully unfolding the blanket.

DVM fire blankets are supplied with a 10-year warranty, subject to the applicable warranty terms and correct storage, inspection and handling.

Fire Blanket Inspection & Maintenance →

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Fire blanket versus fire extinguisher

A fire blanket and a fire extinguisher perform different functions.

A fire blanket:

• covers a small, contained fire;
• restricts the oxygen supply;
• does not discharge powder, foam or water; and
• requires close but controlled placement over the fire.

A fire extinguisher:

• applies an extinguishing agent;
• can generally be used from a greater distance;
• must be selected for the correct fire type; and
• may require more operational familiarity.

Neither product should be used if doing so would delay evacuation or place the user in danger.

Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher →

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Fire blanket buying checklist

Before purchasing, confirm:

• the expected fire risk is suitable for a conventional fire blanket;
• the blanket is large enough to cover the identified fire;
• the complete product construction is clearly specified;
• the dimensions are stated accurately;
• the supplied product can be traced by model and batch;
• applicable EN 1869:2019 evidence is available;
• cooking-oil fire performance is documented where claimed;
• instructions and pictograms are supplied in the required language;
• the bag or box suits the installation environment;
• the planned position is visible and safely accessible;
• annual inspection guidance is provided;
• the product will be replaced after deployment on a fire; and
• the supplier provides clear warranty and contact information.

For professional purchasing and supplier comparison, DVM also provides a structured procurement framework.

Fire Blanket Procurement Matrix →

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Summary

The right fire blanket is not selected by price, size or fabric weight alone. A responsible choice combines:

• the correct intended use;
• adequate but manageable dimensions;
• sound product construction;
• clear markings and instructions;
• traceable technical evidence;
• suitable packaging;
• safe installation; and
• proper inspection and replacement procedures.

For DVM’s tested 1 × 1 m series, the combination of at least 430 g/m² woven fibreglass fabric and successful TÜV SÜD cooking-oil fire testing provides a clear and independently documented product advantage for small, contained Class F kitchen fire risks.

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Choose a DVM fire blanket

For most domestic pan and cooking-oil risks, a 1 × 1 m fire blanket provides practical coverage. Choose the larger 1.2 × 1.8 m size where greater coverage or clothing-fire preparedness is required.

View all DVM fire blankets →

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Explore fire blanket applications

• Fire Blankets for Kitchen Fires
• Fire Blankets for Clothing and Person Fires
• Fire Blankets for Workplace Safety
• Fire Blankets for Car, BBQ and Outdoor Fires

For further answers about fire classes, sizes, testing, installation, inspection and safe use, visit our Fire Blanket FAQs.