Buying guide
Kitchen Fire Blankets: What They Are and How to Use One
A fire blanket on the kitchen wall costs little and can smother a small pan fire. What to look for and the rules for using it safely.
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A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant material kept in a quick-release case. Laid over a small pan fire, it cuts off the air and smothers the flames.
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What to look for
- A recognised safety standard marked on the packaging (in the UK, look for BS EN 1869).
- Size: about 1 m × 1 m suits most kitchen pans.
- Quick-release pull tapes and a case you can mount on the wall.
Where to put it
On a wall near the kitchen door, not right beside the hob, so you can reach it without leaning over flames.
Using it, only on a small fire
- Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.
- Pull the tapes sharply to release the blanket.
- Hold it in front of you, protecting your hands behind it, and lay it over the pan.
- Leave it in place, with the heat off, for at least 30 minutes.
If the fire is not small or you are unsure, get out, close the door and call 999. Read our full kitchen fire safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a fire blanket go in the kitchen?
On a wall near the exit, not directly next to the hob, so you can reach it without leaning over the fire.
Can I use a fire blanket on a chip pan fire?
Only on a small fire, if you are confident. Turn off the heat if safe, lay the blanket over and leave it. Never use water. If in doubt, get out and call 999.
Can a fire blanket be reused?
Most are designed for single use. Replace it after it has been used on a fire.
Sources
- Kitchen safety, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. Checked 6 October 2026.
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