Fire Limitation Blankets FAQs

Fire Limitation Blanket FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about professional Fire Limitation Blankets for electric vehicle fire incidents. Learn what these blankets are designed to do, how they are deployed, inspected and stored, and what to consider when selecting a Fire Limitation Blanket independently tested by SGS in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489.

General Questions

Wat is een branddeken?

A Fire Limitation Blanket is a large, heat-resistant blanket intended for professional use during vehicle fire incidents. It is deployed over the vehicle to help contain flames, reduce radiant heat and limit the spread of smoke and burning material to the immediate surroundings.

The blanket does not remove the stored energy from a lithium-ion battery and should not be presented as a guaranteed method of extinguishing thermal runaway. Its function is primarily to support incident control while trained responders manage the situation.

Is a Fire Limitation Blanket the same as a conventional fire blanket?

No. A conventional fire blanket is normally a relatively small product intended for incidents such as cooking-oil or clothing fires. These products are covered by EN 1869:2019.

A Fire Limitation Blanket is much larger and is intended for professional vehicle-fire applications. Fire Limitation Blankets tested in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489 are evaluated through tests specifically developed for blankets used on burning vehicles. The two product categories should therefore not be treated as interchangeable.

Why is the product called a Fire Limitation Blanket?

The term “Fire Limitation Blanket” describes the intended function more accurately than terms such as “EV fire blanket” or “extinguishing blanket.” The blanket is designed to help limit flames, radiant heat, smoke dispersion and fire spread.

It cannot guarantee that an electric-vehicle battery fire will be permanently extinguished. A damaged lithium-ion battery may continue to generate heat or reignite after visible flames have reduced.

Can the blanket be used on vehicles other than electric vehicles?

Yes. Depending on the incident, dimensions and operating procedures, a Fire Limitation Blanket may also be used on combustion-engine, hybrid and other vehicles. Vehicle type, size, location and incident conditions must always be considered before deployment.

The DVM 6 × 8 m model is intended for passenger vehicles and similar vehicle sizes. It is not suitable for every bus, truck or oversized vehicle.

EV Fire Safety

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket extinguish an EV battery fire?

A Fire Limitation Blanket should not be described as a guaranteed method of extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire. Covering the vehicle can reduce the oxygen available to flames outside the battery, but it does not stop the internal chemical reactions occurring during thermal runaway.

The blanket can nevertheless play an important role by limiting flames, radiant heat, smoke dispersion and the risk of fire spreading to nearby vehicles or structures.

What is thermal runaway?

Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining process in which heat generated inside a lithium-ion battery causes further internal reactions and additional heat. This may lead to the release of flammable gases, intense fire, cell-to-cell propagation and possible reignition.

Because the process takes place inside the battery, covering a vehicle does not automatically stop it. Continuous monitoring and an appropriate emergency-response procedure remain necessary.

How does a Fire Limitation Blanket work?

When properly deployed, the blanket forms a heat-resistant barrier around the vehicle. This can help suppress external flames, reduce radiant heat and limit the movement of smoke, sparks and burning fragments.

Its effectiveness depends on correct deployment, sufficient coverage, the condition of the blanket and the circumstances of the incident. It should always form part of a broader emergency-response plan rather than being regarded as a complete stand-alone solution.

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket prevent fire spreading to nearby vehicles?

The blanket is intended to reduce flames and radiant heat, which may help lower the risk of fire spreading to nearby vehicles, equipment or building elements. It cannot guarantee that propagation will not occur.

Separation distances, ventilation, structural fire protection, emergency access and responder procedures remain important, particularly in parking garages, workshops, ferries and vehicle storage areas.

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket be used indoors?

A blanket may be used indoors when this forms part of a site-specific emergency plan and trained responders determine that deployment can be carried out safely. Indoor incidents involve additional risks, including toxic gases, restricted escape routes, limited visibility and heat accumulation.

The blanket does not make smoke or gases harmless. Evacuation, ventilation strategy, emergency-service access and continuous monitoring remain essential.

Deployment & Use

Who should deploy a Fire Limitation Blanket?

Deployment should be carried out by trained personnel using a defined procedure and suitable personal protective equipment. Depending on the organisation, this may include firefighters, emergency-response teams, vehicle-recovery specialists or trained industrial safety personnel.

Members of the public should not approach a burning or unstable electric vehicle simply because a blanket is available.

How many people are required to deploy the blanket?

A 6 × 8 m Fire Limitation Blanket should normally be deployed by at least two trained people. The blanket is large and heavy, and both sides must be controlled while it is pulled over the vehicle.

Additional personnel may be necessary depending on wind, heat, vehicle position, restricted access or other site conditions. Deployment should be practised before an emergency occurs.

When should the blanket be deployed?

Deployment depends on the emergency plan, responder assessment and conditions at the scene. A blanket may be considered when limiting flames, radiant heat and fire spread would help protect nearby people, vehicles, equipment or structures.

Responders must first consider personal safety, escape routes, hazardous gases, vehicle instability and the possibility of rapid fire development. Emergency services should always be contacted.

Should the blanket remain over the vehicle after the flames decrease?

The blanket should not be removed solely because visible flames have decreased. A lithium-ion battery can remain hot and unstable and may reignite when oxygen is reintroduced.

Removal should only take place under the direction of trained responders as part of a controlled procedure. Thermal monitoring and continued observation may be required for an extended period.

Can the blanket replace water or other firefighting equipment?

No. A Fire Limitation Blanket is an incident-control tool and should not automatically replace cooling, firefighting equipment or emergency-service procedures. Water may still be required to cool a lithium-ion battery and reduce the risk of continued propagation or reignition.

The appropriate combination of methods depends on responder training, local procedures, vehicle design and incident conditions.

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket be reused?

Reuse should never be assumed after exposure to a fire. Heat, mechanical damage, contamination and residues may have affected the fabric, coating, seams or handling loops.

After deployment, the blanket should be isolated and assessed in accordance with the supplier’s instructions and the organisation’s safety procedures. A blanket with uncertain integrity should be replaced rather than returned to emergency service.

Inspection & Storage

How should a Fire Limitation Blanket be inspected?

Inspection should confirm that the blanket is present, accessible, correctly packed and free from visible damage, contamination, moisture or unauthorised use. The storage bag, closures, labels, seams, handles and accessible blanket surfaces should also be checked.

Inspection results should be recorded. Any blanket showing damage or uncertain condition should be removed from service and assessed before being made available again.

How often should the blanket be inspected?

The inspection frequency should be based on the site risk assessment, manufacturer instructions, storage environment and local procedures. Regular documented inspections are advisable, with additional checks after training, relocation, suspected damage or exposure to moisture, chemicals or excessive heat.

High-risk or heavily used locations may require more frequent checks than controlled indoor storage areas.

How should a Fire Limitation Blanket be stored?

Store the blanket in its designated bag in a dry, clean and accessible location. It should be protected from moisture, chemicals, sharp objects, unnecessary sunlight, mechanical damage and unauthorised handling.

The storage position should be included in the emergency plan and clearly marked. The blanket must remain accessible without requiring personnel to move toward the most likely fire location.

Can the blanket be used for training?

Deployment training is strongly recommended, but organisations should consider using a dedicated training blanket. Repeated dragging, folding and handling can cause wear or contamination that may be difficult to detect.

A blanket reserved for real emergencies should not automatically be returned to service after training without inspection and documented approval.

Technical & Testing

Wat is DIN SPEC 91489?

DIN SPEC 91489 is a German technical specification for testing Fire Limitation Blankets intended for vehicle fires. It provides a defined method for evaluating important performance aspects under controlled test conditions.

DIN SPEC 91489 is a testing specification. It does not create a product certification or a DIN certificate. Buyers should therefore ask whether a blanket has been independently tested in accordance with the specification and should review the supporting test report.

Has the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket been independently tested in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489?

Yes. The DVM Fire Limitation Blanket has been independently tested by SGS in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489. The SGS test report documents the applied test procedure, test conditions and reported performance of the product.

DIN SPEC 91489 is a testing specification and does not result in a product certificate. DVM therefore describes the product as independently tested by SGS in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489, rather than as “DIN certified.”

Product test results, material test results and general material specifications are different forms of technical evidence. Claims made for the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket are based on the documentation applicable to the finished product and its materials.

What material is the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket made from?

The DVM 6 × 8 m Fire Limitation Blanket is manufactured from high-silica fibreglass fabric with a silicone coating on both sides. The coated construction is designed for high-temperature professional applications and for the mechanical demands of vehicle-blanket deployment.

Detailed values for dimensions, fabric weight, total coated weight, thickness and temperature properties are listed on the product page.

How do I choose a suitable Fire Limitation Blanket?

Consider the intended vehicle type, blanket dimensions, total weight, material construction, handling method, storage system, independent test documentation and supplier support. A blanket must be large enough to cover the intended vehicle while remaining practical for trained personnel to deploy.

Procurement decisions should be based on documented performance and a site-specific emergency plan, not only on temperature claims or price.

Ordering & OEM

Where can I buy the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket?

The DVM Fire Limitation Blanket 6 × 8 m is available through the DVM International webshop. Business customers, distributors and organisations requiring larger quantities can also request a tailored quotation.

Does DVM offer OEM or private-label Fire Limitation Blankets?

Yes. DVM International offers OEM and private-label solutions for professional customers, distributors and manufacturers. Depending on the project and order quantity, options may include customised branding, multilingual instructions, an individual SKU, barcode and QR-code arrangements.

Final artwork, technical wording and product claims must remain consistent with the applicable SGS test report and the agreed product specification.

Can the storage bag carry our own logo and product information?

Custom branding is available for qualifying OEM or private-label orders. The available print area, number of colours, languages, required markings and order quantity must be agreed before production.

Customers are normally asked to provide suitable logo files and final translations. DVM prepares the artwork for customer approval before customised production begins.

Can DVM supply Fire Limitation Blankets to international customers?

Yes. DVM International supplies professional customers in multiple countries. Delivery options depend on the destination, order quantity, pallet dimensions, customs requirements and the agreed Incoterm.

For larger or non-standard shipments, request a quotation so that the product configuration, transport method, lead time and applicable import arrangements can be assessed correctly.

Ready to learn more?

Review the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket 6 × 8 m, independently tested by SGS in accordance with DIN SPEC 91489, or contact us about professional quantities, distribution opportunities and OEM projects.