Definition
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material — typically woven fibreglass — used to smother small Class F fires involving burning cooking oils and fats, or to wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire. Required in commercial kitchens alongside a wet chemical extinguisher, fire blankets must meet BS EN 1869:2019 and must be replaced after any use — they are single-use devices.
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- Fire ClassesFire ExtinguishersFire classes are the European classification system — Class A (solid combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (flammable gases), Class D (combustible metals), and Class F (cooking oils and fats) — used to categorise fires by fuel type. Selecting the correct fire extinguisher requires matching the extinguishing agent to the fire class present in the premises, as specified in BS 5306-8.View definition
- Wet Chemical Fire ExtinguisherFire ExtinguishersA wet chemical fire extinguisher is specifically designed for Class F fires involving burning cooking oils and fats. It discharges a fine mist of alkaline potassium solution that reacts with hot oil through saponification — forming a cooling, vapour-suppressing foam — and preventing dangerous re-ignition. Identified by a yellow label panel, it must be serviced annually under BS 5306-3.View definition
- CO2 Fire ExtinguisherFire ExtinguishersA CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguisher is a portable firefighting device that discharges pressurised carbon dioxide gas to smother a fire by displacing oxygen. It leaves no residue, making it the preferred choice for electrical equipment, server rooms, and environments where contamination cannot be tolerated.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material — typically woven fibreglass — used to smother small Class F fires involving burning cooking oils and fats, or to wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire. Required in commercial kitchens alongside a wet chemical extinguisher, fire blankets must meet BS EN 1869:2019 and must be replaced after any use — they are single-use devices.
Requirements for fire blanket in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Blanket and Fire Classes are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire blanket. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.