Fire Limitation Blankets FAQs

Fire Limitation Blanket FAQs

Find answers to common questions about professional Fire Limitation Blankets for electric vehicle fires. Learn how these blankets work, when to use them, how to inspect and store them, and what to consider when choosing a blanket tested in accordance with DIN 19489.

General Questions

What is a Fire Limitation Blanket?

A Fire Limitation Blanket is a large, heat-resistant blanket designed for professional use during vehicle fires. It is placed over a vehicle to help contain flames, reduce radiant heat and limit the spread of fire to nearby vehicles and structures.

The blanket does not remove energy from a lithium-ion battery. It cannot guarantee that thermal runaway will stop. Its main purpose is to help trained emergency responders control the incident and limit fire spread.

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

No. Conventional fire blankets are relatively small products designed for incidents such as cooking-oil fires and clothing fires. These products are covered by EN 1869:2019.

A Fire Limitation Blanket is much larger and is designed for professional vehicle-fire applications. DIN 19489 provides specific requirements and test methods for these blankets. The two product categories are not interchangeable.

Why is the product called a Fire Limitation Blanket?

The name describes the product's main purpose: limiting the effects and spread of a vehicle fire. The blanket helps reduce external flames, radiant heat and the spread of burning material.

It is not intended to guarantee the extinction of a lithium-ion battery fire. A damaged battery may continue generating heat and may reignite after visible flames disappear.

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

Yes. Depending on the incident and operating procedures, a Fire Limitation Blanket may also be used on petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.

The DVM 6 × 8 m blanket is designed for passenger cars and vehicles of similar dimensions. It is not suitable for every bus, truck or oversized vehicle. The vehicle size and incident conditions must be assessed before deployment.

EV Fire Safety

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket extinguish an EV battery fire?

A Fire Limitation Blanket cannot guarantee the extinction of a lithium-ion battery fire. Covering the vehicle can reduce the oxygen available to external flames, but it does not stop the internal chemical reactions of thermal runaway.

The blanket can help limit external flames, radiant heat and fire spread. It is therefore a useful tool for incident control when used by trained emergency responders.

What is thermal runaway?

Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining process inside a lithium-ion battery. Heat causes chemical reactions that generate more heat. This can release flammable gases and cause intense fires, propagation between battery cells and possible reignition.

Covering the vehicle does not automatically stop these internal reactions. Emergency responders must continue monitoring the battery and follow appropriate safety procedures.

How does a Fire Limitation Blanket work?

When correctly deployed, the blanket forms a heat-resistant barrier around the vehicle. It can help reduce external flames and radiant heat and limit the spread of sparks and burning fragments.

Its effectiveness depends on correct deployment, complete vehicle coverage, blanket condition and the circumstances of the fire. The blanket must be part of a wider emergency-response plan.

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

The blanket is designed to reduce external flames and radiant heat. This may reduce the risk of fire spreading to nearby vehicles, equipment and buildings. It cannot guarantee that fire spread will be prevented.

Safe separation distances, ventilation, structural fire protection and emergency access remain important, especially in parking garages, workshops, ferries and vehicle storage facilities.

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket be used indoors?

Yes, but only when trained responders determine that deployment is safe and it forms part of the location's emergency plan.

Indoor vehicle fires present additional risks, including toxic gases, limited escape routes, poor visibility and heat accumulation. The blanket does not make smoke or gases harmless. Evacuation, ventilation and continuous monitoring remain essential.

Deployment & Use

Who should deploy a Fire Limitation Blanket?

Only trained personnel should deploy a Fire Limitation Blanket. They must follow an established procedure and use suitable personal protective equipment.

Depending on the organisation, trained personnel may include firefighters, emergency-response teams, vehicle-recovery specialists and industrial safety teams. Members of the public should not approach a burning or unstable electric vehicle.

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. Both sides must be controlled while it is pulled over the vehicle.

More personnel may be needed because of wind, heat, restricted access or vehicle position. Deployment procedures should be practised before an emergency occurs.

When should the blanket be deployed?

Deployment depends on the emergency plan, the assessment of trained responders and the conditions at the scene.

A blanket may be used when limiting flames, radiant heat and fire spread can help protect nearby people, vehicles or structures. Responders must first assess escape routes, hazardous gases, vehicle stability and the risk of rapid fire development.

Emergency services should always be contacted.

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

Yes. The blanket should not be removed simply because visible flames have decreased. A lithium-ion battery can remain hot and unstable and may reignite when oxygen becomes available again.

Only trained responders should decide when the blanket can be removed. Thermal monitoring and continued observation may be necessary for an extended period.

Can the blanket replace water or other firefighting equipment?

No. A Fire Limitation Blanket is a tool for controlling an incident. It does not replace cooling, firefighting equipment or emergency-response procedures.

Water may still be required to cool a lithium-ion battery and reduce the risk of further thermal runaway or reignition. The correct response depends on the vehicle, the incident and the procedures of the emergency services.

Can a Fire Limitation Blanket be reused?

A Fire Limitation Blanket should not automatically be reused after exposure to a fire. Heat, mechanical damage and contamination may affect the fabric, silicone coating, seams and handling loops.

After deployment, the blanket must be inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions and the organisation's safety procedures. A blanket with uncertain integrity must be replaced.

Inspection & Storage

How should a Fire Limitation Blanket be inspected?

Inspection should confirm that the blanket is present, accessible and correctly packed. Check for visible damage, contamination, moisture and signs of unauthorised use.

Also inspect the storage bag, closures, labels, seams, handles and accessible fabric. Record the inspection results. Remove damaged or questionable blankets from service until their condition has been assessed.

How often should the blanket be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the storage environment, the risk assessment and local procedures.

Regular documented inspections are recommended. Additional inspections are necessary after training, relocation, suspected damage or exposure to moisture, chemicals or excessive heat. High-risk locations may require more frequent checks.

How should a Fire Limitation Blanket be stored?

Store the blanket in its designated bag in a clean, dry and accessible location. Protect it from moisture, chemicals, sharp objects, excessive sunlight and mechanical damage.

The storage location should be clearly marked and included in the emergency plan. Personnel must be able to reach the blanket without moving towards the likely fire location.

Can the blanket be used for training?

Yes. Deployment training is strongly recommended. However, organisations should preferably use a dedicated training blanket.

Repeated dragging, folding and handling can cause wear or contamination. A blanket reserved for emergencies should not be returned to service after training without inspection and documented approval.

Technical & Testing

What is DIN 19489?

DIN 19489 is a German standard for Fire Limitation Blankets used during vehicle fires. It establishes requirements and test methods for evaluating the performance of these blankets under defined conditions.

Compliance claims should be supported by relevant test documentation. Buyers should review the scope of the testing and confirm that the report applies to the finished product being supplied.

Is the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket independently tested by SGS?

DVM International has commissioned independent testing of its 6 × 8 m Fire Limitation Blanket by SGS in accordance with DIN 19489.

The testing programme covers the finished product and relevant performance requirements. The final SGS report will provide details of the test methods, conditions and results.

DVM will make the final test documentation available when the testing process is complete. Independent testing provides buyers with technical evidence beyond general material specifications or supplier declarations.

What material is the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket made from?

The DVM 6 × 8 m Fire Limitation Blanket is made from high-silica fibreglass fabric with a silicone coating on both sides.

This construction is designed for high-temperature professional applications and the mechanical demands of vehicle-blanket deployment. Detailed specifications, including fabric weight, coated weight, thickness and temperature properties, are available 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 and independent test documentation.

The blanket must be large enough to cover the intended vehicle and practical for trained personnel to deploy. Purchasing decisions should be based on documented performance and a site-specific emergency plan, not only on price or temperature claims.

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 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, individual SKUs, barcodes and QR codes. Product specifications and technical claims must remain consistent with the applicable test documentation.

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

Yes. Custom branding is available for qualifying OEM and private-label orders.

Print areas, colours, languages, required markings and order quantities must be agreed before production. Customers normally provide suitable logo files and final translations. DVM prepares the artwork for 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 agreed Incoterms.

For larger or non-standard shipments, request a quotation. We can then assess the product configuration, transport method, delivery time and import arrangements.

Ready to learn more?

Explore the DVM Fire Limitation Blanket 6 × 8 m and its technical specifications. Contact us for professional quantities, distribution opportunities and OEM projects. Independent SGS testing in accordance with DIN 19489 is in progress.