What Size Fire Blanket Do I Need? (1×1 vs 1.2×1.8)
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What size fire blanket do you need: 1 × 1 m or 1.2 × 1.8 m?
Both sizes can be useful for suitable small, contained fires, but they offer different levels of coverage and are not interchangeable for every application.
A 1 × 1 m fire blanket is compact and practical for many small domestic kitchen fires. A 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket provides more than twice the surface area and meets the minimum dimensions specified in EN 1869:2019 for blankets intended to smother burning clothing on a person.
This guide focuses on the practical differences between these two sizes, helping you select the appropriate coverage without assuming that a larger blanket can safely extinguish a larger fire.
1 × 1 m vs 1.2 × 1.8 m: Size Comparison
| Feature | 1 × 1 m | 1.2 × 1.8 m |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 100 × 100 cm | 120 × 180 cm |
| Surface area | 1.00 m² | 2.16 m² |
| Relative coverage | Reference size | 116% more area |
| Typical consideration | Compact coverage for suitable small fires | Greater coverage where needed |
| Clothing-fire dimensional requirement | Below the EN 1869:2019 minimum | Meets the EN 1869:2019 minimum |
| Handling | Less material to manage | More material to control during deployment |
| Storage | Generally more compact | Generally requires more space |
The difference is significant: a 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket has 2.16 times the surface area of a 1 × 1 m blanket.
However, the appropriate size depends on the actual fire risk, not simply the amount of fabric.
When Should You Choose a 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket?
A 1 × 1 m fire blanket is often a practical choice where the anticipated fire is small, contained and accessible.
Its compact dimensions can make it easier to handle and position over a limited burning area.
Typical Situations
- Small domestic kitchens.
- Suitable small frying-pan fires.
- Compact office kitchenettes.
- Small wastebasket or similar contained fires.
- Locations with limited installation or storage space.
These examples do not mean that every fire in such a location can be safely extinguished with a blanket.
The burning area must be small enough to cover completely, and the user must be able to approach without exposure to dangerous flames, smoke or heat.
Why the Compact Size Can Be an Advantage
For a small, accessible fire, a compact blanket can be easier to deploy than a larger one.
There is less material to unfold and control, which may help the user position the blanket over the burning area.
For many ordinary domestic kitchen applications, the 1 × 1 m size is therefore a reasonable starting point.
However, it is not the appropriate size where substantially greater coverage is required.
When Should You Choose a 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket?
A 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blanket provides 2.16 m² of coverage, compared with 1 m² for the smaller version.
Its main advantage is the additional fabric available to cover a larger surface or object.
This may be relevant in:
- Workplaces where greater coverage is identified as necessary.
- Workshops and certain educational environments.
- Locations with approved clothing-fire emergency procedures.
- Situations where a 1 × 1 m blanket would not provide adequate coverage.
Because the blanket is larger, the user must manage more material during deployment.
The larger dimensions do not mean that it is suitable for uncontrolled fires, spreading flammable liquids or large commercial cooking-oil fires.
Why Is 1.2 × 1.8 m Important for Clothing Fires?
EN 1869:2019 specifies minimum dimensions of 1.2 × 1.8 m for fire blankets intended to smother burning clothing on a person.
This is an important distinction between the two DVM sizes.
A 1 × 1 m blanket does not meet that dimensional requirement, while the 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket does.
However, meeting the minimum dimensions does not automatically mean that using a fire blanket on a person is always the safest emergency response.
National fire-service and occupational safety recommendations can differ. Some authorities discourage particular fire blanket techniques because of potential injury to the person or rescuer.
If clothing catches fire, the immediate priorities are to stop moving, drop to the ground and roll to smother the flames, while others raise the alarm and obtain assistance.
Where a suitably sized fire blanket forms part of an approved emergency procedure, it must be used without obstructing the person's face or airway.
Burn injuries require prompt first aid and appropriate medical assessment.
For clothing-fire preparedness, size is a necessary consideration, but correct emergency procedures are equally important.
Which Size Is Better for a Domestic Kitchen?
For many small domestic kitchens, a 1 × 1 m fire blanket is sufficient in size for suitable small, contained pan fires.
It is compact, relatively easy to handle and can be stored close to a safe exit route.
A 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket may be preferred where greater coverage is desirable, but it is not automatically a safer choice for every cooking fire.
For example, a large fire involving substantial quantities of burning cooking oil may be too dangerous to approach with either size.
Never pour water onto burning cooking oil or fat. If a fire cannot be approached and controlled safely, evacuate and contact the emergency services.
For ordinary small-pan risks, 1 × 1 m is often the more practical size. For applications requiring greater coverage, consider 1.2 × 1.8 m.
Does a Larger Fire Blanket Mean You Can Extinguish a Larger Fire?
No. A larger blanket provides greater coverage, but this does not automatically increase the size or intensity of fire that can be safely controlled.
Fire blanket effectiveness depends on several factors:
- The type of material burning.
- The intensity and development of the fire.
- Whether the burning area can be completely covered.
- Whether the blanket can be deployed safely.
- The risk of reignition.
- The user's ability to maintain a safe escape route.
For example, a fire spreading across a work surface or involving large quantities of flammable liquid may be unsuitable for either blanket size.
A larger blanket must never encourage someone to approach a dangerous fire.
How Much Space Do the Two Sizes Need?
Unfolded dimensions are important for fire coverage, but packaged dimensions matter for storage, wall mounting and transport.
DVM offers both sizes in a flexible safety bag and a protective storage box.
DVM Packaging Dimensions and Weights
| Fire blanket | Packaging dimensions | Approximate packaged weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 × 1 m — Safety Bag | 32 × 20 × 2.5 cm | 529 g |
| 1 × 1 m — Protective Box | 23 × 16 × 4 cm | 684 g |
| 1.2 × 1.8 m — Safety Bag | 32 × 20 × 4.5 cm | 1,058 g |
| 1.2 × 1.8 m — Protective Box | 34.5 × 16 × 4 cm | 1,320 g |
These are packaged-product specifications, not unfolded blanket dimensions. The weights are approximate and may vary slightly between batches or packaging configurations.
The larger blanket naturally requires more material and generally has a greater packaged weight.
When selecting an installation position, ensure that the container remains accessible and that the pull tabs can be reached without approaching the likely fire source.
Safety Bag or Protective Box?
The choice between a safety bag and a protective box is mainly about storage and installation preference.
A flexible bag is lightweight and convenient where compact storage is important.
A rigid protective box provides a structured container that may be preferred for permanent wall-mounted installations.
Both formats are available for the DVM 1 × 1 m and 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blankets.
The container does not change the unfolded blanket dimensions or automatically improve its fire-extinguishing performance.
Whichever format is chosen, the blanket must remain protected, accessible and ready for correct deployment.
Are Both DVM Sizes Independently Tested?
Yes. Both DVM conventional fire blanket sizes have been independently tested by TÜV SÜD according to EN 1869:2019.
Both successfully underwent cooking-oil fire-performance testing relevant to Class F fires under the specified laboratory conditions.
- 1 × 1 m: TÜV SÜD Test Report TC.26.04.002098. View the report and verification information.
- 1.2 × 1.8 m: TÜV SÜD Test Report TC.26.10.006260. View the report and verification information.
The reports document the tested products and conditions. They do not guarantee performance in every possible fire situation.
For a broader comparison of standards, construction, independent testing and purchasing criteria, consult the DVM Fire Blanket Buying Guide.
Choosing Between 1 × 1 m and 1.2 × 1.8 m
The most useful way to choose is to start with the area that may need to be covered.
Choose 1 × 1 m when:
- The anticipated fire risk involves suitable small, contained fires.
- Compact storage and easy handling are priorities.
- Greater body or object coverage is not required.
Consider 1.2 × 1.8 m when:
- The identified risk requires more coverage.
- The installation is intended for clothing-fire preparedness under an appropriate emergency procedure.
- The larger size can be stored accessibly and deployed safely.
If the anticipated fire could spread rapidly or requires specialist firefighting equipment, neither conventional blanket size should be treated as an adequate substitute.
Conclusion: The Right Size Depends on the Risk
A 1 × 1 m fire blanket is compact and practical for many suitable small domestic fires.
A 1.2 × 1.8 m blanket provides 116% more coverage and meets the minimum dimensions specified by EN 1869:2019 for blankets intended to smother burning clothing on a person.
Both DVM sizes are independently tested by TÜV SÜD, including successful cooking-oil fire-performance testing relevant to Class F fires.
Choose the size that provides the necessary coverage for the identified small-fire risk, without compromising safe handling or your escape route.
References and Further Reading
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN 1869:2019, Fire blankets. European product standard, including minimum dimensions for blankets intended to smother burning clothing.
- Fire Industry Association (FIA). Code of Practice for the Selection, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Blankets Manufactured to BS EN 1869, March 2019. Read the FIA guidance (PDF).
- TÜV SÜD. Test Report TC.26.04.002098. Independent testing of DVM 1 × 1 m fire blankets. View report and verification information.
- TÜV SÜD. Test Report TC.26.10.006260. Independent testing of DVM 1.2 × 1.8 m fire blankets. View report and verification information.
- DVM International B.V. Fire Blanket Documentation. Resources for Buyers, Users and Inspectors.
- DVM International B.V. Fire Blanket Buying Guide. Broader guidance on product quality, standards, testing and purchasing decisions.