A fire blanket is best for use on small fires. Fire blankets are designed to put out small fires before they get started. Composed of materials that won’t burn, they’re useful if you can’t put out a fire with water. Some cases where you might need a fire blanket include grease and oil fires and electrical fires. If the stove or pan catches fire, never apply water – instead, use your first blanket. These useful, reusable safety devices can be stored in the kitchen in an easy to reach place. Likewise, if someone’s clothing catches fire, a fire blanket can be wrapped around them to extinguish it.
When a fire occurred it must have three sources - heat, fuel and oxygen. Removing one or more of these fire sources will cause the fire to extinguish. For example, when the fire service sprays water onto a burning building they are trying to cool the burning materials (the fuel) so they don't burn as easily. Some fire extinguishers spray foam over a fire and this prevents oxygen in the air from reaching the fuel and heat. Fire blankets work on the same principal, when you cover a fire with a fire blanket you are preventing air from getting to the fire thus removing the oxygen element and extinguishing the fire.
Best suitable to use fire blanket when the fire is still small and manageable and only if you are confident enough to use them. Extinguishing a fire as early as possible can save thousands of pounds worth of damage and even lives. However, if you think the fire may be too large and you might risk harming yourself call the fire service immediately and raise the fire alarm if you have not already done so.
