What is the main purpose of fire blankets?

The main purpose of fire blankets is to smother small fires, particularly those that might occur on clothing or around a person. When a fire blanket is placed over a fire, it cuts off the oxygen supply, which is essential for the combustion process. This is why they are particularly effective in situations where a person’s clothes catch fire or where small fire breaks out in confined areas.

Using a fire blanket is a practical and immediate response to certain types of fire incidents, especially when traditional firefighting equipment might not be readily available or effective. They are designed for ease of use, allowing individuals to quickly wrap themselves or the affected area in the blanket to help extinguish the flames.

In contrast, indicating the presence of fire is an entirely different function that is typically handled by alarms or detection systems. Extinguishing flames in large fires usually requires more robust firefighting measures such as fire extinguishers or hoses. Providing warmth during fire drills does not relate to the function of fire blankets, which are specifically designed for fire suppression.