A car fire blanket is a safety tool designed to help extinguish small fires in vehicles, whether they start in the engine, interior, or elsewhere. It’s essentially a large, heat-resistant blanket that can be thrown over a fire to smother it, cutting off its oxygen supply and helping to extinguish the flames.
Here’s how it works:
1. Material: Fire blankets are typically made from heat-resistant materials like fiberglass or Kevlar, which can withstand high temperatures without catching fire themselves.
2. Size & Storage: They come in various sizes, but they’re usually compact and can be stored in a small, easy-to-access bag. Many fire blankets are stored in the car in a compartment or mounted near the driver’s seat, so they’re quick to grab in an emergency.
3. How to Use:
– Pull the fire blanket out of its storage bag.
– Hold the blanket by the corners, and if possible, protect your hands with the blanket itself (it’s usually heat resistant).
– Gently place the blanket over the fire. You don’t need to throw it forcefully; just cover the fire to block out oxygen and stop the flames.
– If the fire is small and manageable, this should extinguish it quickly.
4. When Not to Use: If the fire is too large, or if you’re not sure how to handle it, it’s better to back off and call emergency services. Fire blankets are for small, contained fires—not large engine or fuel fires.
5. Reusability: Some fire blankets are reusable, but others might only be good for a single use. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
In essence, a fire blanket is a simple but effective tool for containing small fires before they get out of control, especially when you’re out on the road and need to act quickly.