Who Needs A Car Fire Blanket?

The specialist car fire blanket is the only rapid and reliable solution that can effectively handle fires in electric vehicles. It is designed for battery fires where there is a risk of thermal runaway to contain the risk and reduce damage and will prevent the escape of toxic fumes. The electric vehicle fire blanket is also recommended by guidance from the Department for Transport for recovery operators who may have to recover electrically powered or hybrid vehicles when broken down or accidentally damaged.

However, as it is suitable for tackling any car fire, the vehicle fire blanket is often found in car parks, road tunnels, petrol stations, charging stations, repair facilities, car ferries and other facilities. Manufactured for Vigil Products, the extra-large blanket is also carried by breakdown services and firefighters.

The single-use lithium blanket is supplied in a large red bag which is clearly labelled for easy identification in an emergency, which features shoulder straps to carry as a backpack, and two handles. You should ensure this is hung in an easily accessible location for an emergency. When providing this for facilities staff to use, you should provide them with full training on how to safely deploy the car fire blanket.

How To Use Your Car Fire Blanket

Once you have removed the 6m x 8m car fire blanket from the bag, unroll and unfold the blanket at a safe distance from the vehicle. With 2 people, each holding a handle, pull the blanket over the vehicle in one continuous movement, taking extra care of the fire, toxic fumes and chemical risks (particularly with EVs).

The weight of the fire blanket will settle on the car, and you should check that it is tight around the vehicle with the edges tucked in. This should then be left on the vehicle until deemed safe by your local fire brigade and removed by them – remember, this will not extinguish the fire of an electric vehicle, but will reduce the toxic fumes and liquids while preventing the fire from spreading.

Once used on a fire, you will need to responsibly dispose of, and replace, your vehicle fire blanket.