Question 1

What is the fire blanket made of and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A fire blanket is made of 100% woven fiberglass, a non-flammable material. It works as an effective safety device by smothering a fire, cutting off its oxygen supply, and stopping it from spreading. The blanket creates a barrier between the fire and the surrounding air, which is essential to extinguishing small fires quickly and safely.

Question 2

What size is the fire blanket, and do they come in different sizes?

Accepted Answer

The Canada Fire Blanket measures 1m x 1m (100cm x 100cm / 40” x 40”). While other brands may offer larger sizes, they are not recommended due to potential handling difficulties and reduced effectiveness.

A properly sized fire blanket is essential for smothering a fire by cutting off its oxygen supply. Larger blankets may be cumbersome to handle, increasing the risk of slippage on a cooktop or difficulty when wrapping around a person in flames.

If a fire exceeds the coverage area of a fire blanket, it’s a clear sign of a more significant emergency. In such cases, prioritize evacuating safely and calling 911 for assistance.
Always use a fire blanket with caution and at your own discretion.

Question 3

Are fire blankets reusable?

Accepted Answer

While some other brands may claim fire blankets are “reusable,” it is not recommended to reuse them.

Fire blankets are not indestructible, and the heat, intensity, and duration of each fire can vary, potentially compromising the blanket's integrity.

Even if a fire blanket appears undamaged, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Relying on a potentially degraded product could pose risks in an emergency. For this reason, it is advisable to replace a fire blanket after each use.

Fire blankets are a relatively low-cost investment compared to their life-saving value, so replacing them ensures reliability and peace of mind when needed.

Question 4

Where should a fire blanket be kept?

Accepted Answer

Fire blankets should be stored in easily accessible locations near potential fire hazards. Since most household fires occur in the kitchen, it’s ideal to keep a fire blanket near the cooktop or other sources of heat. Other recommended locations include:
Near a barbecue or outdoor cooktop.
In a garage or workshop.
On each floor of your home for general safety.
In a car, RV, trailer, camper site, or cottage.
Essentially anywhere a fire could potentially occur.

To ensure quick access during an emergency, the fire blanket should be hung in a visible, unobstructed location, with its straps easily reachable to remove it from the pouch. For kitchen use, consider mounting it on the inside of a cabinet door under the sink, ensuring it is safe and out of the way but still readily accessible.

Important Note: Avoid placing the fire blanket where you would need to reach over a fire to access it, as this could be dangerous. Proper placement is key to effective and safe use.

Question 5

Where are Canada Fire Blankets made?

Accepted Answer

Canada Fire Blanket Inc. is a Canadian-owned corporation. The product is designed in Canada, with all packaging and usage instructions created according to Canadian safety guidelines. The company also maintains Canadian product liability insurance to ensure customer confidence and safety.

While the fire blanket is manufactured in China, this decision is based on the availability of specialized machinery, raw materials, and manufacturing expertise, making production more economical and efficient.

Representatives from Canada Fire Blanket Inc. have visited the manufacturing facility in China to ensure it meets all required standards, including quality assurance and ethical practices regarding human rights.

As importers of the product, Canada Fire Blanket Inc. is deemed the manufacturer under Canadian regulations once the product enters Canada. This ensures full accountability and adherence to Canadian standards for quality and safety.

Question 6

Does a fire blanket replace a fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Having a fire blanket is highly recommended because of its specific benefits and ease of use.

Fire blankets are ideal for quickly and effectively smothering small fires, such as grease or oil fires in the kitchen, where using a fire extinguisher could spread the flames. They are also an excellent choice for extinguishing flames on a person’s clothing. Fire blankets require no maintenance, do not expire, and are simple to deploy, making them an essential safety tool.

While fire extinguishers are necessary for handling a broader range of fire types and larger emergencies, a fire blanket is a practical and complementary safety device that everyone should consider as part of a comprehensive fire safety plan.

Question 7

What type of fire will a fire blanket extinguish?

Accepted Answer

A fire blanket extinguishes fires by smothering them and cutting off their oxygen supply. It is particularly effective for the following types of fires:

Class A Fires: Fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, or fabric.

Class B Fires: Fires caused by flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, gasoline, or other chemicals. Fire blankets are especially useful for Class K kitchen fires, such as grease fires, where using water or certain extinguishers could worsen the situation.

Class C Fires: While a fire blanket will not stop the source of electrical sparks or overheating caused by an electrical shortage, it can effectively smother flames. It provides critical time to safely disconnect the power source (by unplugging or shutting off the breaker) if it is safe to do so.

Class D Fires: Although a fire blanket cannot fully extinguish high-heat lithium      battery fires, it helps mitigate damage by covering the flames. This reduces the spread to surrounding materials or surfaces and provides additional time to evacuate and call for emergency help.

Additionally, a fire blanket can be used to extinguish flames on a person’s clothing or body by wrapping it around them safely.

Important Safety Notes:
Always ensure the fire blanket fully covers the fire for maximum effectiveness.
Never attempt to extinguish a fire larger than the blanket itself, as this indicates a larger emergency. In such cases, focus on evacuating everyone safely and call 911 immediately.
Use fire blankets at your own discretion, prioritizing personal safety above all.

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