Best Fire Blankets for Clothing & Person Fires (EU)
When clothing catches fire, immediate action is essential. Flames can spread quickly across fabric and cause serious burns within seconds.
The person should stop, drop and roll to help extinguish the flames. Another person may use a suitable fire blanket to help smother the burning clothing when this can be done safely.
For more information, read Fire Blankets for Clothing Fires .
What to Do When Someone's Clothing Catches Fire
If clothing catches fire, act immediately. The following steps can help limit the injuries.
- Stop: Do not run. Running can increase the flames.
- Drop: Lie down on the ground. This helps prevent flames from reaching the face and head.
- Roll: Roll on the ground to help smother the flames. Protect the face with the hands if possible.
- Smother: Another person may use a suitable fire blanket or other appropriate material to help extinguish the burning clothing.
- Get help: Call the emergency services and arrange urgent medical assessment.
A fire blanket provides an additional way to help extinguish burning clothing. It must not delay stop, drop and roll, emergency assistance or evacuation.
After the flames are extinguished, cool the burns with cool running water for 20 minutes when possible. Remove jewellery and loose clothing near the injury, but do not remove anything stuck to the skin. Do not apply ice, creams, grease or butter.
Independent TÜV SÜD Fire Testing
The DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket series has been independently tested by TÜV SÜD in accordance with EN 1869:2019.
- Official TÜV SÜD test report available
- Cooking-oil fire-test video available
- Heptane fire-test video available
- Independent third-party test documentation
The TÜV SÜD documentation provides independent evidence for the tested 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket series.
These fire tests do not represent a separate test of the blanket on a person. For clothing fires, correct blanket dimensions, safe deployment and immediate burn first aid remain essential.
Why Greater Body Coverage Matters
When a fire blanket is used on a person, it must provide enough material to cover the burning clothing. The person's face, mouth and nose must remain uncovered.
A larger fire blanket provides more material to cover the shoulders, body and legs. This can help the assisting person smother the flames more effectively.
Within the DVM range, the 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket is the recommended choice when clothing fires are an identified risk.
View the 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket →
The 1.2 × 1.8 m size provides substantially more body coverage than the compact 1 × 1 m version.
Choose the Correct Fire Blanket Size
1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket – Recommended for Clothing Fires
The larger DVM Fire Blanket provides more surface area for covering burning clothing. It can help cover much of the body from the shoulders downward.
Always keep the face and airway clear. Do not wrap the blanket tightly around the neck. Avoid pressing burning or melted clothing against the person's skin.
The person should remain on the ground while the flames are being extinguished. This helps reduce the risk of flames travelling upwards towards the face and head.
Shop 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket →
1 × 1 m Fire Blanket – Compact Fire Protection
The DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket is primarily intended for small, contained fires. These may include cooking-pan fires and small appliance fires.
This size provides less body coverage. It is therefore not the preferred DVM option when clothing-fire protection is the main purpose.
For more advice, read What Size Fire Blanket Do I Need?
How to Use a Fire Blanket on a Person
Only assist when you can do so safely. Do not put yourself at risk of serious burns, heavy smoke or becoming trapped.
- Tell the person to stop moving, drop to the ground and roll.
- Call the emergency services or ask someone nearby to call.
- Remove the fire blanket by pulling the release tabs firmly downward.
- Hold the blanket so that it protects your hands and upper body.
- Approach from a safe direction. Avoid direct contact with exposed flames.
- Carefully place the blanket over the burning clothing, covering the body from the shoulders downward.
- Keep the person's face, mouth, nose and airway uncovered.
- Continue smothering the flames while the person remains on the ground.
Do not wrap the blanket tightly around the person's neck or face. Do not attempt to remove clothing that has melted or become attached to the skin.
If the flames cannot be extinguished safely, do not delay emergency assistance.
Burn First Aid After the Flames Are Extinguished
Once the flames are extinguished, begin cooling the affected skin with cool running water for 20 minutes when possible. Do not use ice or very cold water.
Remove rings, watches, belts and loose clothing near the injury before swelling develops. Leave anything stuck to the burn in place.
After cooling, cover the burn loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing. Do not wrap the covering tightly around the injured area.
Keep the rest of the person warm while cooling the burn. This is particularly important for children and people with extensive burns.
Clothing fires can cause deep and extensive burn injuries. The full severity may not be visible immediately. Urgent medical assessment is therefore essential.
Storage and Placement Guidance
A fire blanket should be clearly visible and immediately accessible. It should be stored where a person can reach it without moving towards a likely fire source.
Safety Bag – Compact and Accessible
The flexible Safety Bag is suitable for homes, classrooms, corridors, workshops and first-aid locations.
It can be mounted on a wall or stored in another clearly marked location. Staff and household members should know where the blanket is kept.
Premium Box – Visible Wall-Mounted Protection
The rigid Premium Box provides a permanent wall-mounted storage location. It helps users identify the fire blanket quickly.
The Premium Box may be suitable for schools, care facilities, workplaces and public buildings. It is particularly useful where visibility and consistent placement are important.
Shop 1.2 × 1.8 m Premium Box →
For installation advice, read Where Should You Keep a Fire Blanket?
European Fire Blanket Requirements
DVM International Fire Blankets are designed for use in accordance with EN 1869:2019.
This European standard includes requirements and test methods for fire blanket construction, dimensions, deployment, fire performance, markings and instructions.
DVM Fire Blankets are made from densely woven fibreglass fabric weighing at least 430 g/m².
Fabric weight is only one aspect of product quality. Dimensions, seams, release tabs, packaging, instructions and documented fire performance must also be considered.
For more information about safe use, sizing, inspection, EN 1869:2019 and TÜV SÜD testing, visit our Fire Blanket FAQs .
Choose Greater Coverage for Clothing Fire Preparedness
Clothing fires may occur in homes, schools, care facilities, laboratories and workplaces.
Where clothing fires are an identified risk, the DVM 1.2 × 1.8 m Fire Blanket provides greater body coverage than the compact 1 × 1 m version.
A fire blanket should always be supported by knowledge of stop, drop and roll, emergency communication and appropriate burn first aid.