Fire limitation blankets can help reduce the consequences of an electric vehicle fire by limiting the spread of flames, radiant heat and smoke. They are large professional safety products intended for trained or instructed users and form part of a broader emergency-response strategy.
These products are commonly marketed as EV fire blankets, electric vehicle fire blankets or car fire blankets. However, DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 uses the more precise term fire limitation blanket.
This distinction is important. A fire limitation blanket is not an active extinguishing agent and should not be presented as a product that automatically extinguishes a lithium-ion battery fire. Its primary purpose is to limit the effects of the incident on the surrounding area and help create more controlled conditions for emergency response.
This complete guide explains what fire limitation blankets are, how they work, what they can and cannot do, how DIN SPEC 91489 evaluates them and what professional buyers should examine before selecting a product.
What is a fire limitation blanket?
A fire limitation blanket is a large, flexible and heat-resistant blanket intended to cover an electric vehicle during a fire, suspected battery incident or post-fire monitoring period.
DIN SPEC 91489 defines it as a flexible blanket intended to limit the fire spread of an electric vehicle or its traction battery spatially and temporarily. This limitation can make it easier for fire-service personnel to introduce defensive firefighting measures.
A professional fire limitation blanket is considerably larger and heavier than a household fire blanket. It must cover the complete vehicle and provide enough additional material to lie flat on the ground around it.
The product is therefore fundamentally different from:
- small household fire blankets tested according to EN 1869;
- welding blankets intended to protect against sparks and welding spatter;
- general-purpose heat-resistant covers;
- electrical insulation blankets;
- ordinary tarpaulins or industrial textile covers.
A high fabric melting point alone does not demonstrate that a complete product is suitable as a fire limitation blanket. Seams, loops, markings, deployment, mechanical strength, storage and instructions are also important.
Read more in our future article: What is a Fire Limitation Blanket?
Why are electric vehicle fires different?
Electric vehicles use rechargeable traction batteries containing many individual battery cells. When cells become damaged, overheated or internally unstable, a self-reinforcing process known as thermal runaway can begin.
During thermal runaway, heat generated inside one cell can affect neighbouring cells. This can result in further cell failures and continued heat production, even after visible flames have temporarily disappeared.
This behaviour creates several challenges:
- the incident may continue for a prolonged period;
- the vehicle can reignite after the initial fire appears controlled;
- hot gases and smoke may continue to escape;
- nearby vehicles, buildings and equipment can be exposed to radiant heat;
- access to the traction battery may be difficult;
- continued supervision and temperature monitoring may be required.
A fire limitation blanket does not change the chemistry inside a damaged battery. It creates a physical barrier around the vehicle to help restrict the impact of the incident on its surroundings.
For a detailed explanation, see What is Thermal Runaway in an Electric Vehicle Battery?
How does a fire limitation blanket work?
The blanket is removed from its protective storage container, unfolded and pulled over the vehicle. It is then positioned so that the vehicle is covered as completely as possible and the edges lie flat on the surrounding surface.
DIN SPEC 91489 states that the selected size should completely cover the critical object and lie flat on the ground for at least 0.5 metres on all sides.
Once correctly positioned, the blanket creates a heat-resistant enclosure around the vehicle. Depending on the incident and the deployment conditions, it can help:
- limit the direct spread of flames;
- reduce radiant heat reaching nearby objects;
- impede the uncontrolled distribution of smoke and hot gases;
- protect adjacent vehicles and equipment;
- support cooling and monitoring operations;
- secure a damaged vehicle during quarantine or observation.
The surrounding surface affects performance. Drains, channels, kerbs and other openings can prevent the blanket edges from lying flat and may allow air, smoke or gases to pass underneath.
The blanket may also need to be secured against movement. Users must consider possible pressure pulses and continued gas release from the vehicle.
Read the practical explanation in How Does a Fire Limitation Blanket Work?
Fire limitation blankets can help reduce the consequences of an electric vehicle fire by limiting the spread of flames, radiant heat and smoke. They are large professional safety products intended for trained or instructed users and form part of a broader emergency-response strategy.
These products are commonly marketed as EV fire blankets, electric vehicle fire blankets or car fire blankets. However, DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 uses the more precise term fire limitation blanket.
This distinction is important. A fire limitation blanket is not an active extinguishing agent and should not be presented as a product that automatically extinguishes a lithium-ion battery fire. Its primary purpose is to limit the effects of the incident on the surrounding area and help create more controlled conditions for emergency response.
This complete guide explains what fire limitation blankets are, how they work, what they can and cannot do, how DIN SPEC 91489 evaluates them and what professional buyers should examine before selecting a product.
What is a fire limitation blanket?
A fire limitation blanket is a large, flexible and heat-resistant blanket intended to cover an electric vehicle during a fire, suspected battery incident or post-fire monitoring period.
DIN SPEC 91489 defines it as a flexible blanket intended to limit the fire spread of an electric vehicle or its traction battery spatially and temporarily. This limitation can make it easier for fire-service personnel to introduce defensive firefighting measures.
A professional fire limitation blanket is considerably larger and heavier than a household fire blanket. It must cover the complete vehicle and provide enough additional material to lie flat on the ground around it.
The product is therefore fundamentally different from:
- small household fire blankets tested according to EN 1869;
- welding blankets intended to protect against sparks and welding spatter;
- general-purpose heat-resistant covers;
- electrical insulation blankets;
- ordinary tarpaulins or industrial textile covers.
A high fabric melting point alone does not demonstrate that a complete product is suitable as a fire limitation blanket. Seams, loops, markings, deployment, mechanical strength, storage and instructions are also important.
Read more in our future article: What is a Fire Limitation Blanket?
Why are electric vehicle fires different?
Electric vehicles use rechargeable traction batteries containing many individual battery cells. When cells become damaged, overheated or internally unstable, a self-reinforcing process known as thermal runaway can begin.
During thermal runaway, heat generated inside one cell can affect neighbouring cells. This can result in further cell failures and continued heat production, even after visible flames have temporarily disappeared.
This behaviour creates several challenges:
- the incident may continue for a prolonged period;
- the vehicle can reignite after the initial fire appears controlled;
- hot gases and smoke may continue to escape;
- nearby vehicles, buildings and equipment can be exposed to radiant heat;
- access to the traction battery may be difficult;
- continued supervision and temperature monitoring may be required.
A fire limitation blanket does not change the chemistry inside a damaged battery. It creates a physical barrier around the vehicle to help restrict the impact of the incident on its surroundings.
For a detailed explanation, see What is Thermal Runaway in an Electric Vehicle Battery?
How does a fire limitation blanket work?
The blanket is removed from its protective storage container, unfolded and pulled over the vehicle. It is then positioned so that the vehicle is covered as completely as possible and the edges lie flat on the surrounding surface.
DIN SPEC 91489 states that the selected size should completely cover the critical object and lie flat on the ground for at least 0.5 metres on all sides.
Once correctly positioned, the blanket creates a heat-resistant enclosure around the vehicle. Depending on the incident and the deployment conditions, it can help:
- limit the direct spread of flames;
- reduce radiant heat reaching nearby objects;
- impede the uncontrolled distribution of smoke and hot gases;
- protect adjacent vehicles and equipment;
- support cooling and monitoring operations;
- secure a damaged vehicle during quarantine or observation.
The surrounding surface affects performance. Drains, channels, kerbs and other openings can prevent the blanket edges from lying flat and may allow air, smoke or gases to pass underneath.
The blanket may also need to be secured against movement. Users must consider possible pressure pulses and continued gas release from the vehicle.
Read the practical explanation in How Does a Fire Limitation Blanket Work?
What can a fire limitation blanket do?
The central purpose of a fire limitation blanket is to restrict the spatial and temporary spread of an incident involving an electric vehicle or traction battery.
Limit the spread of flames
Covering the complete vehicle creates a physical barrier between the incident and its surroundings. This can reduce the risk of direct flame contact with nearby vehicles, charging equipment, walls or stored materials.
Reduce radiant heat exposure
Radiant heat can damage nearby objects even when flames do not touch them. A suitable fire limitation blanket can help reduce direct heat exposure to adjacent vehicles, structures and equipment.
Impede smoke distribution
The blanket can restrict the uncontrolled distribution of smoke and hot gases. It does not create a guaranteed gas-tight enclosure, and gases may still escape around the edges or through openings beneath the vehicle.
Support emergency operations
By limiting the immediate effects on the surroundings, the blanket can help emergency responders organise defensive measures, cooling, monitoring, recovery and quarantine.
Separate a critical vehicle from nearby risks
A fire limitation blanket can be relevant where a vehicle cannot immediately be moved away from nearby cars, buildings, charging equipment or stored materials.
What can a fire limitation blanket not do?
Understanding the limitations is essential for safe procurement and use.
It is not an active extinguishing agent
DIN SPEC 91489 explicitly states that fire limitation blankets are not active extinguishing agents. A supplier should therefore not give an unconditional promise that the product will extinguish every electric vehicle or lithium-ion battery fire.
It does not stop thermal runaway inside the battery
A damaged traction battery can continue producing heat internally. Covering the vehicle does not necessarily interrupt this process.
It does not eliminate the risk of reignition
Thermal propagation can lead to delayed reignition. A covered vehicle may therefore require continued supervision and temperature monitoring.
It does not protect against electric shock
A fire limitation blanket is not electrical protective equipment. It does not replace safe working distances, electrical isolation procedures or suitable personal protective equipment.
It does not provide additional burst protection
The blanket should not be assumed to contain all fragments, pressure events or mechanical effects that could occur during a battery incident.
It does not completely prevent smoke release
The product can impede smoke distribution, but it cannot guarantee that smoke and hazardous gases will remain underneath the blanket.
It is not intended for an opened traction battery
DIN SPEC 91489 applies to blankets intended for use over electric vehicles. It does not cover direct application onto a traction battery that has been removed from the vehicle and opened.
What is DIN SPEC 91489?
DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11 establishes requirements for fire limitation blankets intended for use with electric vehicles.
The document was developed through the DIN PAS procedure by a consortium involving organisations with experience in vehicle manufacturing, insurance, fire protection, occupational safety, testing, technical textiles and vehicle recovery.
DIN SPEC 91489 is particularly important because it does not evaluate only the temperature resistance of a textile. It considers the complete product and its practical use.
The requirements cover areas including:
- thermal resistance;
- reaction to fire;
- cut resistance;
- mechanical stability;
- strength of loops and eyelets;
- chemical resistance;
- electrostatic-charge warnings;
- electrical-safety warnings;
- dimensions and tolerances;
- markings and identification;
- practical deployment;
- storage-container protection;
- manufacturer instructions;
- inspection, reuse and disposal;
- minimum content of the test report.
This complete-product approach is important. A fabric may survive high temperatures while the finished blanket still fails because of weak seams, unsuitable loops, inadequate markings, poor storage or impractical deployment.
Read the detailed article: What is DIN SPEC 91489?
Is DIN SPEC 91489 a harmonised European standard?
No. A DIN SPEC developed through the PAS procedure is not a harmonised European standard and is not part of the body of German Standards.
Nevertheless, DIN SPEC 91489 provides a detailed and relevant technical framework for evaluating professional fire limitation blankets for electric vehicles.
“Tested according to”, “compliant” or “certified”?
Every claim must accurately reflect the assessment that has actually been performed.
A manufacturer cannot describe a product as compliant, approved or certified solely because its raw material supplier quotes a high working temperature or melting point.
The complete blanket type and construction must be evaluated against the applicable requirements. The test report should clearly identify the model, type, dimensions, construction and responsible manufacturer or supplier.
While independent testing is still in progress, appropriate wording is:
Currently undergoing independent testing against DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11.
After completion, the final product claims must correspond precisely with the conclusion and scope of the independent test report.
How are fire limitation blankets tested?
DIN SPEC 91489 combines laboratory testing with practical product requirements. The objective is not merely to establish whether a small fabric sample survives a flame. The complete product must remain suitable for professional use.
Thermal resistance testing
Test specimens are taken from the fire limitation blanket. Where the blanket contains seams joining separate material panels, a representative seam must be included in the specimen.
The thermal test simulates several conditions associated with an electric vehicle incident, including:
- sustained thermal exposure;
- direct flame exposure;
- changing temperature levels;
- the cooling effect of water applied during firefighting operations.
The specified temperature programme lasts 23 minutes. The temperature rises to approximately 1,000°C and subsequently alternates between approximately 1,000°C and 700°C.
Separate assessments address thermal exposure with direct flame contact and exposure without direct flame contact followed by water application.
Acceptance criteria include the absence of hole formation and seam failure. During the indirect-flame assessment, flames must not emerge from the outer side for longer than the permitted period.
Read more in How Are Fire Limitation Blankets Tested?
How to choose a fire limitation blanket
A purchasing decision should not be based solely on a claimed working temperature, maximum temperature or melting point.
These figures do not prove that the complete blanket is suitable for professional use around electric vehicles.
1. Has the complete product been independently tested?
Confirm that the assessment applies to the complete blanket type and construction being offered, rather than only to a generic textile sample.
The test documentation should identify:
- the model and type;
- the dimensions;
- the material construction;
- the seams and panel connections;
- the responsible manufacturer or supplier.
2. Which edition of DIN SPEC 91489 was used?
The edition should be stated precisely. This guide is based on DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11.
3. Were all relevant requirements evaluated?
Thermal resistance is only one part of the specification. Buyers should also examine:
- reaction to fire;
- cut resistance;
- loop and seam strength;
- deployment performance;
- chemical resistance;
- container protection;
- marking and traceability;
- manufacturer instructions;
- inspection and disposal procedures.
4. Is the blanket large enough?
The correct dimensions depend on the vehicles being protected. The blanket should fully cover the vehicle and provide enough material to lie flat on the ground for at least 0.5 metres on every side.
DVM’s planned professional fire limitation blanket for passenger vehicles has a nominal size of 6 × 8 metres. Final dimensions, weight and tolerances will be confirmed in the product documentation after completion of the assessment process.
5. Can two people deploy it quickly?
Weight, flexibility, folding method, loop position and container design all influence deployment.
Buyers should request practical deployment information and evidence that the complete model can be deployed under the conditions required by DIN SPEC 91489.
6. Is the intended use clearly defined?
A fire service, workshop, parking operator, towing company and ferry operator may all require different training, storage locations and emergency procedures.
Read more in How to Choose a Fire Limitation Blanket for Electric Vehicles.
Inspection, storage and reuse
A professional safety product must remain ready for use throughout its stated service life.
Routine visual inspection
DIN SPEC 91489 requires the manufacturer to provide instructions for regular visual inspections. It recommends an annual visual inspection when the blanket has not been used.
An inspection should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and may include checking:
- the storage container and closures;
- moisture or chemical contamination;
- cuts, holes and fabric damage;
- UV or weather-related deterioration;
- loose fibres or damaged edges;
- seams and textile panel connections;
- handling loops and attachment points;
- markings, labels and pictograms;
- the vehicle-identification document pocket;
- whether the blanket remains correctly folded.
Reuse after training or preventive deployment
The blanket may be suitable for repeated use when:
- it was not exposed to an actual fire;
- it was not damaged;
- it was not adversely contaminated;
- inspection and cleaning requirements have been satisfied.
Repacking and cleaning must follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A blanket should never be returned to service solely because it appears acceptable from a distance.
After exposure to an actual fire
DIN SPEC 91489 requires the manufacturer information to state that a blanket exposed to an actual fire must be disposed of appropriately.
Fire exposure can damage fibres, coatings, seams and attachment points in ways that may not be immediately visible.
Contamination from smoke, battery chemicals, extinguishing agents and vehicle fluids can create additional health, environmental and handling risks.
Storage conditions
The blanket should be stored in its supplied protective container, within the stated environmental conditions and in a clearly marked and accessible location.
Relevant personnel should know:
- where the blanket is stored;
- who is authorised and trained to deploy it;
- how to open and unfold it;
- which emergency procedure applies;
- who must be contacted during an incident.
DVM Fire Limitation Blanket and independent SGS testing
DVM International is preparing a professional 6 × 8 metre Fire Limitation Blanket for electric vehicles, manufactured from high-silica-coated fibreglass fabric.
The complete product is currently undergoing independent testing by SGS against DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11.
The final SGS test report is expected in August 2026.
Until that report is available, DVM will not claim that the product has successfully passed, complies with or is certified according to DIN SPEC 91489.
After completion of the assessment, the product page, technical datasheet and dedicated SGS test-report page will be updated to reflect the precise results and scope of the report.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fire limitation blanket the same as an EV fire blanket?
The terms EV fire blanket and car fire blanket are commonly used commercially. DIN SPEC 91489 uses the technically more accurate term fire limitation blanket because the product is intended to limit the consequences of a fire rather than act as an active extinguishing agent.
Does a fire limitation blanket extinguish a battery fire?
It should not be presented as an active extinguishing agent. Its main purpose is to limit the spread of flames, heat and smoke and support a controlled emergency response. Thermal runaway inside the battery may continue.
Can an electric vehicle reignite under the blanket?
Yes. A damaged traction battery can reignite after visible flames have disappeared. The vehicle may require continued supervision and temperature monitoring.
Can anyone deploy a fire limitation blanket?
DIN SPEC 91489 states that these blankets are intended primarily for use by instructed persons. Organisations should establish responsibilities, training and emergency procedures before use.
How many people are needed?
The specification requires the manufacturer to demonstrate deployment of each model by no more than two persons within the defined time and test conditions.
Can the blanket be deployed on a wet vehicle?
The practical deployment assessment must be demonstrated on both a dry vehicle and a wet vehicle.
Can a fire limitation blanket be reused?
It may be reused after training or preventive deployment only when it has not been exposed to fire, damaged or adversely contaminated and when all manufacturer inspection and cleaning requirements are satisfied.
Can it be reused after an actual fire?
No. The manufacturer information required by DIN SPEC 91489 must state that a blanket exposed to an actual fire is to be disposed of appropriately.
Does the blanket protect against electric shock?
No. It is not electrical protective equipment and does not replace electrical-safety procedures or personal protective equipment.
Does it stop all smoke?
No. It can impede smoke distribution but cannot completely prevent smoke and gases from escaping.
Is a 1,700°C melting point sufficient evidence?
No. A raw-material melting point does not demonstrate the performance of the complete blanket. Seams, loops, panel connections, deployment, chemical resistance, storage and documentation must also be evaluated.
Is DIN SPEC 91489 the same as EN 1869?
No. EN 1869 concerns small fire blankets intended for controlling small fires, including cooking-oil fires. DIN SPEC 91489 concerns large fire limitation blankets for use with electric vehicles.
Is DIN SPEC 91489 a European certification?
No. DIN SPEC 91489 is not a harmonised European standard or a certification scheme. It is a technical specification containing requirements against which a product can be independently tested and assessed.
Conclusion
A fire limitation blanket can be a valuable part of a professional strategy for limiting the consequences of an electric vehicle incident.
Its purpose is not to make the traction battery safe or guarantee extinguishment. Its purpose is to restrict flames, radiant heat and smoke, protect the surrounding area and support trained responders while the vehicle remains under control and observation.
DIN SPEC 91489 provides buyers with a much stronger basis for product comparison than fabric temperature claims alone.
It evaluates not only thermal resistance, but also mechanical performance, deployment, markings, storage, manufacturer information, inspection and traceability.
When selecting a product, always examine the evidence for the complete tested blanket and ensure that its dimensions, deployment method, instructions and storage arrangements correspond with your organisation’s actual risks.