How do I use a fire blanket on a pan fire?

Turn off the heat source first if it is safe to do so. Pull the blanket from its wall-mounted case using the tapes — this unfurls it automatically. Hold it up in front of you as a shield between you and the fire. Place it over the pan with a flat, forward motion — do not drop it from height as this can splash burning oil. Do not remove the blanket for at least 30 minutes — the pan will re-ignite if uncovered while still above the oil's flash point. Leave the kitchen, close the door, and call 999.

Where should a fire blanket be mounted in a kitchen?

Within reach of the cooking area but not directly above or beside the hob — you should be able to reach it without reaching over a fire. The standard position is on a clear wall within arm's reach of the hob, typically near the kitchen exit. The casing should be mounted at eye level or just below. Never store a fire blanket in a drawer or under the sink — you must be able to grab it in seconds.

Can a fire blanket be reused after deployment?

No. Once a fire blanket has been used to extinguish a fire, it must be replaced. The woven glass-fibre material is designed for single use — heat and combustion residue compromise the fibres, and a used blanket will not provide adequate coverage or heat resistance in a subsequent deployment. Replace immediately after any use, even if the fire was small.

Is a fire blanket better than a fire extinguisher for a kitchen?

For a chip pan or cooking oil fire specifically, a fire blanket is preferable because it smothers the fire without dispersing burning oil. A wet chemical extinguisher (Class F, cream label) is the other appropriate option for cooking oil fires. Never use a water extinguisher on a fat fire — the result is a fireball. For guidance on which extinguisher type is correct for which fire, see our fire extinguisher types guide.

What size fire blanket do I need for a home kitchen?

The standard domestic fire blanket is 1.0 m × 1.0 m (BS EN 1869 compliant). This is adequate for a domestic frying pan or saucepan. A 1.2 m × 1.2 m blanket provides more coverage margin. For a commercial kitchen with large pans or woks, larger blankets are available. All blankets sold in the UK must carry the BS EN 1869 or equivalent CE/UKCA marking to confirm they meet the required heat resistance standard.

⚠ Emergency: If a fire is beyond a single pan — leave the kitchen, close the door, get everyone out, call 999.

Guide — First Response

Fire Blanket Use

A fire blanket is the most effective domestic first-response tool for cooking oil fires — faster to deploy than an extinguisher and safer on fat fires than any water-based option. But only if used correctly, and only on the right type of fire.

BS EN 1869 Kitchen fires Single use

Critical rule

Never remove the blanket for at least 30 minutes after smothering a pan fire. The oil remains above its flash point and will re-ignite the moment oxygen is reintroduced. Place the blanket, leave the room, close the door, and call 999.

Fire blanket suitability by fire type

Fire type	Suitable?	Notes
Chip pan / deep-fat fryer fire	Yes	Primary recommended intervention — smother and leave 30 min minimum
Small cooker hob fire	Yes	Effective if pan is still contained on the hob
Small oven fire	No	Close oven door; turn off heat; do not open until cool
Clothing fire (person on fire)	Yes	Wrap around the person; STOP DROP ROLL is primary method
Microwave fire	No	Keep door closed; unplug if safe; call 999 if smoke continues
Electrical appliance fire	No	Use a CO₂ extinguisher; never water; see fire extinguisher types guide
Bin fire	Sometimes	Only if fire is fully contained in the bin and you can cover it completely

Step-by-step deployment

Turn off the heat — only if you can do so without reaching over the fire.
Pull the tapes — the blanket unfurls from its casing automatically.
Shield yourself — hold the blanket up in front of your face and body.
Cover the pan — slide forward, placing the blanket flat over the pan from the near edge first.
Do not remove — leave for a minimum of 30 minutes, even if the flames appear extinguished immediately.
Leave the room — close the kitchen door; call 999 even if the fire is out.

What not to do

Do not pour water on a burning oil pan — water turns to steam explosively, spreading burning oil
Do not carry a burning pan to the sink or outside — you risk spreading fire and burning yourself
Do not drop the blanket from height — this can splash oil
Do not use a cloth towel as a substitute — it will ignite
Do not re-enter to retrieve the blanket — it is single use; your safety is not worth it

Maintaining a fire blanket

Inspect the casing monthly — confirm it is undamaged, the blanket is fully inside, and the pull tapes are accessible and not jammed. Replace after any deployment, and replace the entire unit if the casing is cracked, the tapes are frayed, or the blanket has been partially removed for inspection and cannot be confirmed to have returned to full coverage position. For related kitchen fire prevention, see our kitchen fire prevention guide and our chip pan fire safety article.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Fire Blanket Use

Fire blanket suitability by fire type

Step-by-step deployment

What not to do

Maintaining a fire blanket

Related guidance

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions