Posted By Merv Newman I'm not entirely sure that "fire blankets" have a use, let alone a "useful life" It seems to be sort of assumed that they would be used for smothering the fire on a person whose clothes have caught fire. Personally I would go the "bucket of water" approach. Or even a fire extinguisher. Some opinions say that the fire blanket, while perhaps smothering the fire, will also keep the heat in so that the victim cooks. Water, if available, will extinguish the flames and cool the body. I would like to see some debate on this. Does anyone have any personal experience of a fire blanket being used successfully ? And, Chas, during all those years your fire blankets have been hanging on the wall, have you trained anyone to use one ? We used to have one of them in our kitchen at home (a "poisoned" safety gift) (ie one that is good to have (?) but one that you never want to have to use (like first-aid kits and extinguishers)) After about 10 years it was getting somewhat grubby and looking a bit septic. So I chucked it. Merv

Posted By Crim I have used a few on burning containers of oil/fats i.e. chip pans. They do work when placed correcltly! As for useful life span, throw away when they look dirty as I always say "if it looks good it usually is good".

Posted By Tabs Merv, I have used one successfully too. Don't think just in terms of people (I agree with water for that) - they are extremely successful for chip pans and other cooking-related fires. (Mine was a wok being used as a chip pan). Not only do they smother, but they provide a barrier to heat to allow the gas to be turned off. An extinguisher is a far messier proposal on a cooking incident. I have one on my wall (a good distance from the cooker so I can reach it without passing the cooker). And always will have.

Posted By Merv Newman Folks, thanks for following the debate. I must admit that I did have the standard "one wastebasket" unit of measure in mind when I wrote the above. It just didn't get into the posting. However I believe that most people would consider fire blankets to be used for "smothering the flames on a burning person" (an unlikely scenario in our kitchen) Chas. You started this. Would you care to do a quick survey and ask your people to name the uses of a fire blanket ? Thanks Merv

Posted By Mike Nixon Chris is obviously not aware of the newer class F extinguishers that are specifically for cooking oil. Not used one but seen several demos and they appear to work. Like all extinguishers used in the wrong way they can cause more problems, thus training in use is essential. In respect of fire blankets they are as good as the person using them, again training necessary albeit brief. The damp - not wet towel can be just as good. Would never have thought to use one on a burning person, probably because they are unlikely to be available except in a kitchen and then there should be plenty of water available.