Architectural Products
Building & Construction
Cutting & Grinding
Accessories for Power Tools
Family Hardware
Material Handling
Others
Power Tools
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Welding ProductsFire Blanket in Singapore: Complete Guide for Workplace & Home Safety 2025
Introduction to Fire Blankets
What is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a simple yet highly effective piece of fire safety equipment designed to smother small fires before they spread. Typically made from heat-resistant fiberglass or flame-retardant materials, fire blankets work by cutting off a fire’s oxygen supply. Unlike fire extinguishers, which can be intimidating to use, fire blankets are straightforward: just pull them out, cover the fire, and let it do its job.
Singapore has seen a spate of fire incidents in HDB flats recently
Why Fire Blankets Are Essential
In recent months, Singapore has seen several fire incidents in HDB flats - including a blaze in Toa Payoh that left three injured and forced the evacuation of 50 residents, a fire sparked by an altar in a Balestier flat, and another in Bukit Purmei where three people were rescued from their bedrooms. Thankfully, all of these fires were brought under control by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), but they serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly a small fire can put lives and property at risk.
On construction sites, the risks are even higher. Welding, grinding and electrical work all produce sparks and heat that can ignite nearby materials. A strategically placed fire blanket can provide immediate suppression for small fires, protecting both workers and valuable equipment. Their simplicity makes them ideal for all users, even those with no formal training.
At home, kitchens remain the most common source of fire incidents. Oil pan flare-ups, unattended stoves, or small electrical fires can quickly escalate. In these cases, fire blankets are safer than using water (which can worsen oil fires) and simpler to use than a fire extinguisher. Outdoor grills and small electrical appliances are other areas where fire blankets can provide valuable peace of mind.
Fire blankets work by oxygen deprivation, photo credit: Wikipedia
How Fire Blankets Work: The Science of Smothering Flames
Fire Suppression by Oxygen Deprivation
Fires need three elements to survive: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Fire blankets attack the problem by removing oxygen. When placed over a flame, the blanket forms an airtight seal, cutting off the oxygen supply and suffocating the fire.
Modern fire blankets are usually made from fiberglass fabric, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Some industrial-grade models also include an inner layer of flame-retardant materials for additional protection. This makes them suitable not just for small kitchen fires, but also for industrial use in welding areas and construction sites.
Types of Fire Blankets
Fibreglass Fire Blankets
Fiberglass fire blankets are the most common type you’ll encounter, whether in households or industrial settings. Made from tightly woven glass fibers, they can withstand extremely high temperatures—often up to 500°C or more.
Their lightweight construction makes them easy to handle, even in stressful emergencies, and they fold neatly into compact wall-mounted containers. Because they don’t shed fibers easily and are relatively inexpensive, fiberglass blankets are the go-to choice for kitchens, offices, and workshops.
At Golden Deenn, we supply a 1.2m x 1.8m Industrial-Grade Fire Blanket designed for both construction sites and home use. Made from durable fiberglass, it offers full coverage and is tested for high heat and flame resistance. With quick-pull tabs for fast deployment and compliance with Singapore fire safety standards, it’s a trusted addition to safety kits across industrial and household settings.
A 1.2m x 1.8m industrial-grade fire blanket sold by Golden Deenn Marketing
Wool Fire Blankets with Flame Retardant Treatment
Wool fire blankets are less common but still valuable in certain environments. Wool is a natural insulator, and when treated with flame-retardant chemicals, it becomes highly resistant to ignition. These blankets are usually thicker and heavier than fiberglass, which makes them especially effective for wrapping around a person whose clothing has caught fire.
They’re often found in laboratories, schools, or chemical environments where versatility is required. Their weight can make them more cumbersome to deploy quickly, but their durability and insulation properties give them a unique advantage.
Screenshot of wool fire blankets taken from Creswick Wool, Australia
Cotton Fire Blankets (Treated)
Cotton fire blankets are usually manufactured with chemical treatments that make the fabric flame resistant. While not as heat-resistant as fiberglass, they are softer and more flexible, which makes them well-suited for personal protection rather than direct fire suppression.
For example, they can be used to shield someone escaping a fire or to wrap around small equipment. Their lighter structure means they are less ideal for grease or electrical fires but still useful as part of a broader fire safety plan, especially in lower-risk environments.
A demonstration of a Silicone Fire Blanket and its comparison against a Fibreglass Fire Blanket, source: Parcil Safety on YouTube
Silicone-Coated Fire Blankets
Silicone-coated fire blankets are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications. By combining a fiberglass base with a silicone outer layer, these blankets achieve both heat resistance and durability. The silicone coating makes them resistant not only to flames but also to sparks, molten splatter, and chemicals, which is why they are often used in welding, metal fabrication, and other high-risk industrial settings.
They are thicker than standard fiberglass blankets, which adds weight but also increases their ability to withstand harsher conditions. For workplaces dealing with machinery, welding, or grinding, silicone-coated blankets are an essential safety tool.
Hybrid Fire Blankets
Hybrid fire blankets combine multiple materials: such as fiberglass, Kevlar, and silicone to create blankets that balance flexibility, strength, and extreme heat resistance. These are engineered for environments where standard blankets may not be sufficient, like shipyards, oil refineries, or aerospace facilities.
Hybrids can be customized to specific hazards, offering protection not just against flames but also radiant heat and chemical exposure. While they are typically more expensive than other types, they deliver specialized safety performance where risks are highest.
How to Choose the Right One
Size and Location
For construction or industrial sites, larger fire blankets provide wider coverage for machinery or worker protection. In kitchens or households, smaller blankets are sufficient to smother stovetop or electrical fires.
Material and Heat Resistance Ratings
When selecting a fire blanket, check the material composition. Although fibreglass can be used for smaller industrial settings, it is more suited for everyday home use. For industrial hazards, silicone-coated or hybrid models provide enhanced protection.
The Fire Safety Act (Chapter 109A) requires fire blankets for Company Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)
Compliance with Singapore Fire Safety Standards (SCDF)
In Singapore, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) sets requirements for fire safety equipment. Employers should ensure the fire blankets they purchase meet local compliance standards, both for workplace safety and to avoid regulatory penalties.
How to Use a Fire Blanket Effectively
Start by Securing the Scene
When a fire breaks out, speed and calm action are critical. Start by securing the scene: if it’s safe, switch off any heat or power sources to prevent reignition.
Deploying a Fire Blanket on Small Fires
Pull down the quick-release tabs, hold the blanket in front of you as a shield, and carefully place it over the flames, making sure the flames are completely covered.
Avoid throwing the blanket as this can disturb the fire or leave gaps. Once in place, leave the blanket undisturbed until the fire is fully out and the area has cooled.
Using Fire Blankets on People During Evacuation
Fire blankets are also effective for personal protection. If someone’s clothes catch fire, quickly wrap the blanket around them and guide them to perform “stop, drop, and roll” to smother the flames. In an evacuation, a fire blanket can provide a layer of protection as the person moves to safety.
Do’s and Don’ts When Handling a Fire Blanket
- Do replace or discard a fire blanket after serious use.
- Do not attempt to reuse a blanket that’s torn, burnt, or damaged.
- Do not try to fight large fires with a fire blanket—call emergency services instead.
Maintenance and Storage of Fire Blankets
Proper Folding and Container Storage
Fire blankets should be stored in clearly marked, quick-access containers. They should be mounted in visible areas such as near kitchens, welding stations, or exits.
When to Replace a Fire Blanket
While unused fire blankets can last several years, they should be inspected periodically for wear. Though non-expiring, manufacturers recommend replacing blankets every 5–7 years—or right after they’ve been used.
Replace immediately if the fabric shows signs of damage, contamination, or if the container becomes compromised.
Fire Blankets vs Fire Extinguishers: What’s the Difference? Advantages of Fire Blankets in Specific Scenarios
Fire blankets should be mounted in visible and accessible areas, image credit: Storables
When a Fire Blanket is the Better Option
In smaller fires, fire blankets have an advantage. They are quicker to deploy, there's no cleanup compared to extinguishers (which leave chemical residue) and its safe for use on people during clothing fires.
When a Fire Extinguisher is the Better Option
Extinguishers are better suited for larger fires or when flames have spread beyond a contained area. Ideally, workplaces and households should be equipped with both fire blankets and extinguishers for complete fire safety coverage.
FAQs on Fire Blankets in Singapore
1. Are fire blankets mandatory in Singapore workplaces?
The Fire Safety Act (Chapter 109A) requires that members of a Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) must be provided with a fire blanket, amongst other fire-fighting equipment
2. Can a fire blanket be reused after putting out a fire?
If a fire blanket remains intact and undamaged, it may be reused. However, for safety, many companies replace blankets after each use.
3. Can fire blankets be used on oil fires?
Yes. Fire blankets are highly effective for oil and grease fires in kitchens because they smother flames without splashing the oil, unlike water.
4. How should fire blankets be stored on-site?
They should be kept in wall-mounted containers at visible and accessible locations near high-risk areas like kitchens, welding stations, or electrical panels.
5. What’s the difference between a household and industrial fire blanket?
Household fire blankets are smaller and lighter, suitable for kitchens and home use. Industrial fire blankets are larger, heavier, and designed to withstand more intense fire risks on construction or work sites.
Conclusion: Why Every Worksite and Home Should Have a Fire Blanket
Fires can ignite quickly, but with the right equipment, they don’t have to become disasters. A fire blanket offers a simple, reliable, and effective way to stop small fires before they spread, whether in a construction site, welding bay, or family kitchen.
By choosing the right size, material, and certification, companies and households in Singapore can ensure compliance with safety standards while protecting lives and property.
For workplaces, fire blankets should never replace extinguishers, but they should always be part of a comprehensive fire safety plan.
