Fire Extinguisher vs. Fire Blanket: What’s The Difference?
When it comes to fire prevention and safety, it’s important to know the difference between a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket. While both are critical tools for putting out fires, they are used for different types of fires and situations.
What is a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is a hand-held device that discharges a chemical agent or water to extinguish a fire. Fire extinguishers are classified by type, based on the kind of fire they are designed to extinguish. The five different types of fire extinguishers include:
- Class A – for fires involving materials like wood, paper, and cloth
- Class B – for fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline and oil
- Class C – for fires involving electrical equipment
- Class D – for fires involving metals like magnesium and titanium
- Class K – for fires involving cooking oils and fats
What is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a specially designed piece of equipment typically made from wool or fiberglass and comes in various sizes. It is used to extinguish small fires by smothering them with the blanket. Fire blankets are useful where a fire is small and contained, and can be put out without the need for a fire extinguisher. It is also useful for wrapping around a person whose clothes are on fire to quickly extinguish the flames.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is typically used in situations where a fire has started and continues to burn, often producing flames, smoke and/or heat. Fire extinguishers should be used when the fire can be contained in a small area and the person using the extinguisher has been trained to use it. It is important to know the types of fire extinguishers and which one should be used on which type of fire. Failure to use the correct type of extinguisher can make the fire worse.
When to Use a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is used to smother small fires and should be used when the fire is small and contained. Fire blankets can be especially useful in the event of a kitchen fire, as they can quickly extinguish a stovetop fire. It is also useful for wrapping around someone whose clothes have caught on fire to extinguish the flames. Fire blankets should never be used on larger fires, as they may not smother the fire effectively and can put the user at risk.
Both fire extinguishers and fire blankets are important tools for fire safety and prevention. Each is designed for specific situations, and it’s important to understand the differences between them. While a fire extinguisher is used to put out larger fires with flames and smoke, a fire blanket is useful for quickly smothering small fires and wrapping around a person whose clothes are on fire.
