Most homeowners know the importance of having a fire extinguisher on hand. But there’s another fire safety tool that’s just as valuable—and often overlooked: the fire blanket.
Lightweight, easy to store, and simple to use, fire blankets can offer quick protection in certain situations where extinguishers might be less effective or more cumbersome. While they’re not a substitute for a fire extinguisher, they do bring a few unique advantages to the table.
Here are three ways fire blankets can be handier than extinguishers—and why you should consider keeping one in your home.
- Easier to Use in the Heat of the Moment
Let’s be honest—grabbing a fire extinguisher and remembering how to use it during an emergency isn’t always easy. Even with the “PASS” method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), there’s room for hesitation and error when stress is high.
Fire blankets are straightforward:
Pull it out of the pouch
Unfold it
Toss it over the fire (or wrap it around a person)
That’s it. No pins to pull, no pressure gauges to read, and no discharge mess to clean up afterward.
When it helps most:
For small stovetop fires or a person whose clothing has caught fire, a fire blanket can smother flames fast—often faster than someone can grab and properly use a fire extinguisher.
- Great for Kitchen Fires (Especially Grease Fires)
One of the worst things you can do with a grease fire is spray it with the wrong kind of extinguisher—or worse, water. Fire blankets shine in kitchen settings because they can quickly smother flames without splattering hot oil or creating a bigger mess.
Unlike extinguishers, which can blow flaming oil around, a fire blanket calmly suffocates the flames by cutting off their oxygen supply.
When it helps most:
Grease fires on a stovetop
Oven fires (just don’t open the door while it’s burning)
Small appliances catching fire
Hang one in an easy-to-reach spot in or near the kitchen—not buried in a drawer.
- Safe for People (Not Just Property)
If someone’s clothing catches fire, “stop, drop, and roll” is essential—but so is having a fire blanket nearby. Fire blankets are made from fire-resistant materials like fiberglass or wool and are safe to wrap around a person to smother flames and protect skin from burns.
Using a fire extinguisher on a person is risky and not recommended, especially at close range. The chemicals and force from an extinguisher can cause injury, especially to the eyes and respiratory system.
When it helps most:
Clothing fires
Assisting others during a fire evacuation
Creating a shield while passing by open flames
Final Word: Fire Blankets Aren’t a Replacement—but They’re a Great Addition
While a fire blanket can’t replace a good-quality fire extinguisher, it absolutely deserves a place in your home’s fire safety kit. Think of it as a complementary tool—especially useful for quick responses, kitchen safety, and personal protection.
Keep one in the kitchen, another near the laundry area, and consider one in the garage or workshop. They’re compact, affordable, and incredibly easy to use when seconds matter most.
Fire doesn’t wait—so don’t wait to be prepared.
