What Types of Fire are Fire Blankets Used For?

Fire blankets can be used for a number of different types of small fires. Ideally, you should have fire blankets in a number of locations in your home and outdoors.

Home Fires

Home fires are the leading cause of fire injuries and deaths in Canada. Most home fires are preventable if the proper precautions are taken. However, it’s still wise to have some fire blankets on hand because accidents do happen.

According to Statistics Canada, residential fires accounted for approximately two thirds of structural fires between 2017 and 2021.

KITCHEN FIRES

The most common use of fire blankets is in your kitchen. According to a 2023 Stats Canada Report, the leading cause of residential fires and fire related injuries are cooking mishaps.

ELECTRICAL FIRES

WOODWORKING SHOP/GARAGE FIRES

Electrical fires can occur in a number of situations:

Faulty appliances or electrical outlet

Lamps or light fixtures: installing a light bulb with a higher wattage than recommended.

Extension cords for appliances: appliances should always be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Portable space heaters: these are frequently placed too close to beds, couches, rugs, or curtains. This is especially true of coil space heaters. Space heaters are the number one cause of house fires in the winter months.

Electrical wiring: fires can be caused by faulty or outdated wiring or breaker boxes.

Wood scraps and sawdust are easily combustible. These shops should be cleaned regularly, especially if there’s a source of heat nearby.

Clothing Fires

Clothing fires can be caused by open flames from candles, stoves, barbeques, open fires, space heaters, matches, and cigarette lighters.

The common advice for putting out clothing fires is to stop, drop, and roll. Fire blankets, however, are a great option for these types of fires. They can quickly and easily be used to wrap around the burning clothing.

Outdoor Fires

BARBECURE FIRES

Lighting a charcoal barbeque with flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid or even gas, can easily cause a clothing fire, especially if too much is used.

CAMPING FIRES

Camping typically involves starting fires, such as charcoal barbeque fires, fire pits, or even bonfires. Open-air fires can spread quickly, so it’s recommended you bring your fire blankets along.

BOAT FIRES

Boat galley fires can be caused by cooking accidents, whether it’s a stove or grill. There is a high risk of fire injuries or even deaths because these are another type of open-air fire that can spread very quickly.

Vehicle Fires

Although most vehicle fires occur in the engine or near the rear wheels, a significant number also start in the passenger compartment.

Fires in the engine area or near the wheels require a fire blanket large enough to cover the entire vehicle. Smaller fire blankets come in handy for fires that start in the passenger compartment.