How do I use a fire blanket?
Question
When should a fire blanket be used, and how?
Answer
A fire blanket is ideal for cooking fat fires (class F fires) and can be used to wrap around people if their clothes catch on fire. Basically, fire blankets smothers a fire, depriving it of oxygen. Without oxygen, fire dies and extinguishes immediately.
To use a fire blanket, place – do not throw! – it over cooking fat fires, keeping your hands and face protected behind it.
Turn off the heat energy source, like the gas or electric heating element, and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has completely dissipated and affected area cooled. Then, if necessary, dial 000 in Australia or 111 in New Zealand to call the fire service.