Fire blankets carried by fire departments

Fire blankets carried by fire departments 

Ensuring the safe evacuation of vulnerable people from supported housing can be a major challenge, but SSA Integrate has implemented some innovative approaches to ensure residents with disabilities can safely escape without the need to rely on ‘stay put’ procedures and fire service assistance. Fire blankets are made of specially treated synthetic and fire-resistant or fire-retardant materials, including woven fibreglass and wool, which can withstand high temperatures of around 500 to even 900 degrees Celsius.

In firefighting, rapid and effective response is paramount. As fire departments continually strive to optimise their equipment and techniques, the inclusion of fire blankets, particularly for car fires, is a compelling consideration. Fire blankets, though often overlooked, offer unique advantages that can significantly enhance fire safety and response efficacy. NFPA 701 sets the standard for fire tests of flame propagation of textiles and films. This standard includes testing procedures for determining the flame resistance of fire blankets.

The Hazards Movement supports people working to ensure equality in safety, public and occupational health for everyone in society, including but also beyond the workplace. Everyone is entitled to feel and be safe and secure from hazards, contaminants and unsafe practices in their life, one of the basic needs identified in Maslow’s hierarchy. The fire safety management system predicated on a fire risk assessment, the findings of which dictate the fire safety management systems implemented, tested, reviewed and rehearsed to ensure everyone’s safety.

The unique nature of car fires

Car fires present distinct challenges compared to structural fires. Vehicles contain a mix of flammable materials, complex electrical systems, and, increasingly, highenergy battery packs in electric and hybrid cars. Traditional methods, primarily using water or foam, can be effective but come with limitations, such as potential electrical hazards and the difficulty in suppressing fires involving modern vehicle components. Fire blankets provide a straightforward, versatile solution to these challenges.

Practical implementation

For fire departments, integrating fire blankets into standard equipment involves training personnel in their effective deployment. Firefighters should be proficient in using blankets to cover burning vehicles swiftly, ensuring complete coverage to maximise oxygen deprivation. Additionally, fire departments can develop protocols for the coordinated use of fire blankets with other firefighting methods, creating a multi-layered approach to vehicle fire suppression.

Fire Blanket Sizes

While the market is filled with a range of fire blanket sizes. The standard sizes of fire blankets variants popular in New Zealand are available in –

·        1.0 m X 1.0 m – Ideal for homes and small kitchens

·        1.2 m X 1.2 m – Ideal for homes and large home kitchens

·        1.2 m X 1.8 m – Ideal for commercial kitchens, clothing fires, and small workplaces with potential fire hazards.

·        1.8 m X 1.8 m – Ideal for commercial kitchens, commercial facilities, and clothing fires. 

Advantages of fire blankets

1. Immediate Containment:

Fire blankets can quickly smother flames, depriving the fire of oxygen and stopping

its spread. This immediate containment is crucial in car fires, where rapid escalation can lead to explosions or the involvement of nearby vehicles and structures

2. Safety:

Using water or foam on electrical components or fuel systems can pose risks. Fire blankets mitigate these hazards by providing a nonconductive barrier, reducing the chance of electrical shocks or chemical reactions.

3. Environmental Impact:

Fire blankets reduce the need for chemical extinguishing agents, which can have adverse environmental effects. This aligns with growing environmental stewardship in fire departments and communities.

4. Reusability and Cost-Effectiveness:

High-quality fire blankets are durable and can be reused after proper decontamination, offering a cost-effective solution over time. This contrasts with the recurrent costs associated with foam and chemical extinguishing agents.

Fire Blanket Maintenance

The fire blankets should be kept in a handy yet safe location where they are not contaminated with fats, cooking oil, or other flammable materials. Fire blankets contaminated with these materials pose the risk of fire hazards and may not effectively stop the fire. 

The extinguishment quality of the fire blanket degrades after use as it is contaminated with unfriendly and flammable materials. This is why the fire blankets should be disposed of after one use and replaced immediately.

Does a Fire Blanket Substitute a Fire Extinguisher?

No, it doesn’t. It is recommended to keep fire extinguishers and fire blankets handy during fire emergencies. Fire blankets are meant to be used alongside fire extinguishers, and one doesn’t overlap the importance of the other.

In fires of higher classes, fire extinguishers are a must. Remember, the fire blankets are only useful to stop small contained fires. It cannot potentially safeguard against larger fires.

Conclusion

As fire departments evolve to meet modern challenges, embracing fire blankets for car fires represents a strategic enhancement of firefighting capabilities. The immediate containment, safety benefits, environmental considerations, and cost-effectiveness of fire blankets make them an invaluable addition to fire response tools.

By equipping firefighters with fire blankets, departments can ensure a more effective, safer, and environmentally friendly approach to combating car fires, ultimately safeguarding lives and property with greater efficacy. Fire emergencies don’t occur with a warning, and it’s wise to stay prepared. It’s a worthy investment in a product you don’t ever hope to use, but if the situation ever demands it – you’ll be glad you made the right choice.