Vasai, Maharashtra
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant fabric folded into a quick-release pack. Laid over a small fire, it cuts off the air the fire needs. It is the simplest tool for a cooking-oil fire in a galley or kitchen, where water makes things far worse.
Step by step
- Turn off the heat if you can do it safely. Do not move the pan.
- Pull both tapes sharply downwards to release the blanket from its pack.
- Hold it by the tapes in front of you, with the top edge folded over your hands to shield them and your face.
- Lay it over the burning pan, working away from yourself. Place it; do not throw it.
- Leave it in place for at least 30 minutes, until everything has cooled. Lift it early and air gets in, and the fire can flare again.
- If the fire is not out, or spreads, get out, close the door behind you and call the fire service.
Never put water on burning oil
Water sinks under hot oil, turns to steam in an instant and throws the burning oil out of the pan as a ball of fire. Use the blanket, or leave.
If clothing catches fire
Stop, drop and roll. A blanket wrapped round the person from the neck down, pressed against the flames, helps smother them.
Where to keep it
- On the wall near the way out of the galley or kitchen, not above the stove, so it can be reached without reaching through fire.
- In plain sight, with the tapes hanging free.
- Checked at each safety inspection: the pack whole and dry, and the tapes not tucked in.
In Europe, kitchen fire blankets are tested to EN 1869, which includes putting out a cooking-oil fire. For the rest of a boat’s safety kit, see the fishing boat checklist.
Fire Blanket
Safety & Signalling
This is general fire-safety practice; follow the instructions printed on the blanket. Ask us for a quote for fire blankets in quantity.