When a person’s clothing catches fire, every second counts. The choice of intervention method can significantly impact the severity of injuries sustained by both the victim and the rescuer. This article examines the relative safety advantages of portable fire extinguishers compared with fire blankets in clothing fire scenarios.
While both tools have their place in fire safety, the evidence suggests that portable fire extinguishers offer distinct advantages in terms of rescuer safety, speed of extinguishment, and reduced physical interaction with the victim.
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning: Extinguisher Type Matters
Never use a CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguisher on a person. CO2 extinguishers discharge at extremely cold temperatures (as low as -78°C) and can cause severe frostbite, cold burns, and respiratory distress including potential asphyxiation.
For clothing fires on people, water extinguishers (Class A, red label) are the safest choice. They cool the fire effectively without the risks associated with chemical agents or extreme cold.
First Response: Stop, Drop and Roll
Before reaching for any equipment, the victim should attempt the universally taught “Stop, Drop and Roll” technique. This remains the primary first response to clothing fires.
STOP
Stop immediately. Do not run, as movement fans the flames and increases oxygen supply to the fire.
DROP
Drop to the ground and lie flat. Cover your face with your hands to protect against facial burns and smoke inhalation.
ROLL
Roll back and forth repeatedly to smother the flames by depriving them of oxygen. Continue until the fire is fully extinguished.
COOL
Once extinguished, cool any burns with cool running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Fire Blankets vs Fire Extinguishers: At a Glance
Fire Blankets: Key Concerns
- Requires close physical proximity to the flames
- Physical contact with victim necessary
- Heat retention can cause continued burns
- Incomplete coverage may fail to extinguish
- Can induce panic in the victim
- Careful removal required post-extinguishment
- Training in use on people is uncommon
Fire Extinguishers: Key Advantages
- Can operate from a safe distance (2 to 3 metres)
- Minimal physical contact required
- Rapid flame suppression
- Cools the fire effectively (water types)
- Staff training is commonplace
- Reduces smoke inhalation time
- Lower psychological trauma for both parties
Risks Associated with Fire Blankets
Close Proximity Risk
Fire blankets require the rescuer to approach within arm’s reach of the burning victim. This significantly increases the likelihood of injury to the rescuer from flames, radiant heat, and potential flare-ups.
Inducing Panic
The sudden smothering action of a fire blanket can induce panic in the victim, causing erratic movement that interferes with correct blanket placement and potentially spreading the fire or causing additional injuries.
Incomplete Extinguishment
Fire blankets must completely cover the fire to work effectively. Any gaps allow oxygen to reach the flames. Incorrect placement or incomplete coverage can fail to extinguish the fire or cause it to spread.
Heat Retention
Fire blankets retain significant heat after the flames are extinguished. If not removed promptly and carefully, continued contact with the heated blanket can cause additional burning or scalding injuries to the victim.
Physical Contact Injuries
Wrapping or patting the blanket around the victim requires physical interaction that could cause or exacerbate injuries, particularly to sensitive burned areas or if the victim has underlying medical conditions.
Residual Risks
Post-extinguishment, careful blanket removal is essential to prevent further injury. Under the stress of an emergency, achieving the gentle, skilled approach required may be extremely challenging.
Advantages of Portable Fire Extinguishers
Safe Distance Operation
Portable fire extinguishers enable the rescuer to maintain a safe distance of 2 to 3 metres whilst combating flames, significantly reducing the risk of injury from heat, flames, and potential flare-ups.
Rapid Extinguishment
With the appropriate extinguisher type, swift flame suppression is achievable within seconds. Speed is critical in clothing fires where burn severity increases exponentially with exposure time.
Minimal Physical Interaction
Unlike fire blankets, portable extinguishers require no physical contact with the victim, reducing the likelihood of causing additional injuries and preserving the victim’s dignity.
Cooling Effect
Water-based extinguishers provide active cooling to the affected area, reducing burn severity and providing immediate relief. This cooling is far more effective than the heat-retaining properties of blankets.
Reduced Smoke Inhalation
Swift fire control minimises the amount of toxic smoke produced, significantly reducing the risks associated with smoke inhalation for both the victim and the rescuer.
Reduced Trauma
Rapid fire control without physical wrapping or restraint lessens the psychological trauma of fire incidents for both the victim and the rescuer, supporting better mental health outcomes.
Choosing the Right Extinguisher for Clothing Fires
Not all fire extinguishers are suitable for use on a person whose clothing is on fire. The type of extinguishing agent matters significantly for victim safety.
Water (Red Label)
Class A fires. Safe cooling effect. No harmful chemicals. The preferred choice for clothing fires on people.
✓ RECOMMENDEDFoam (Cream Label)
Class A and B fires. Safe to use on people but may cause eye irritation. Rinse thoroughly after use.
⚠ USE WITH CAUTIONDry Powder (Blue Label)
Multi-purpose but can cause respiratory irritation. Avoid directing at the face. Only use if no alternatives available.
⚠ USE WITH CAUTIONCO2 (Black Label)
Discharges at -78°C. Causes frostbite and asphyxiation risk. Can displace oxygen around the victim.
✗ NEVER USE ON PEOPLEWet Chemical (Yellow)
Designed for cooking oil fires (Class F). Contains potassium compounds. Not suitable for use on people.
✗ NOT SUITABLETraining Gap: Fire Blankets on People
While staff commonly receive training in portable fire extinguisher use, it would be highly unusual for staff to be trained in techniques to extinguish a live fire on a person using a fire blanket. This training gap represents a significant safety concern.
Fire extinguisher training is mandated under Irish legislation and forms a standard part of workplace fire safety programmes. The same cannot be said for fire blanket use on burning individuals.
Recommended Response Protocol: Clothing Fire
Alert Others
Shout for help and alert colleagues. Activate the fire alarm if appropriate.
Encourage Stop, Drop, Roll
If safe to do so, instruct the victim to stop, drop and roll. Assist if they cannot do so themselves.
Retrieve Water Extinguisher
Grab the nearest water (red label) fire extinguisher. Avoid CO2 extinguishers.
Extinguish from Safe Distance
Maintain 2 to 3 metres distance. Aim at the base of the flames. Sweep side to side.
Cool Burns
Once extinguished, cool burns with cool running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Seek Medical Attention
Call emergency services. All burn victims should receive professional medical assessment.
The Role of Fire Blankets
This article does not suggest fire blankets have no role in fire safety. Fire blankets remain valuable tools for:
- Smothering small contained fires (such as in a pan or container)
- Wrapping around a person to protect them whilst escaping through a fire area
- Situations where no fire extinguisher is available
- Self-use by a person whose lower clothing has caught fire
The key point is that where a choice exists, portable fire extinguishers (particularly water-based) offer significant safety advantages for both the rescuer and the victim in clothing fire scenarios.
Irish Legislative Framework
Training Requirements
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
Sections 8, 9 and 10 require employers to provide sufficient information, training and supervision to ensure employee safety. Section 11 requires adequate emergency plans and procedures, including measures for firefighting.
Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended)
Obliges employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent the outbreak and spread of fire, and to provide appropriate firefighting appliances and equipment.
I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022
The Irish Standard for portable fire extinguishers requires the responsible person to ensure that those occupying the premises are trained in their use.
General Application Regulations 2007
Chapter 1 of Part 2 addresses workplace requirements including emergency provisions, escape routes, and firefighting equipment access and use.
Best Practice Summary
For clothing fires on people, the evidence supports the following approach:
- Primary response: Stop, Drop and Roll technique
- If extinguisher intervention needed: Use water (Class A) extinguisher from safe distance
- Avoid: CO2 extinguishers, wet chemical extinguishers
- Fire blankets: Use only if no extinguisher available, or for self-use, or for protection during escape
- Post-extinguishment: Cool burns with water for minimum 10 to 15 minutes
- Always: Seek professional medical attention for all burn injuries
Key Takeaways
- Stop, Drop and Roll first: This remains the primary response technique for the victim
- Never use CO2 extinguishers on people: Extreme cold causes frostbite and asphyxiation risk
- Water extinguishers are preferred: Safe cooling effect with no harmful chemicals
- Maintain safe distance: Fire extinguishers allow 2 to 3 metre operating distance
- Fire blankets have risks: Heat retention, panic induction, physical contact injuries
- Training matters: Extinguisher training is common; blanket-on-person training is not
- Speed is critical: Rapid extinguishment significantly reduces burn severity
- Always cool burns: Use cool running water for minimum 10 to 15 minutes after extinguishment
Phoenix STS Fire Safety Training
Phoenix STS provides comprehensive CPD-accredited fire safety training including practical fire extinguisher training with live fire demonstrations.
Ensure Your Staff Are Properly Trained
Phoenix STS offers CPD-accredited fire safety training including practical fire extinguisher demonstrations. Our courses ensure staff understand which extinguisher types to use in different scenarios and can respond effectively to fire emergencies.
References
- Health and Safety Authority: Fire
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- Fire Services Act 1981
- Stop, Drop and Roll Technique
- Fire Blanket Safety Considerations
- BS EN 1869: Fire Blankets Standard
- I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022: Selection, Commissioning, Installation, Inspection and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content does not constitute professional fire safety advice. The appropriate response to any fire emergency depends on the specific circumstances. Always follow your workplace emergency procedures and seek professional training. Phoenix STS accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this article.
