Function and Purpose in Fire Emergencies

An Automobile Fire Blanket is a specialized safety device designed to control or extinguish fires involving cars, trucks, and electric vehicles. It works by rapidly covering the burning vehicle, cutting off oxygen supply, and preventing the fire from spreading. This method is especially effective in confined spaces such as parking garages, tunnels, or ferries, where traditional firefighting methods can be difficult. The blanket serves as both a containment and suppression tool, minimizing toxic smoke release and protecting nearby vehicles and structures from radiant heat damage.

Material Composition and Design Features

Most automobile fire blankets are made from high-performance, heat-resistant materials such as fiberglass, silica fabric, or coated glass fiber. These fabrics can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C or higher, providing strong thermal insulation and mechanical durability. Some designs include additional coatings like silicone or vermiculite, which enhance resistance to molten metal splashes and extend the blanket’s service life. The size of a typical blanket ranges from 6×8 meters to 9×12 meters, large enough to cover entire vehicles. Despite their heavy-duty protection, these blankets are designed to be foldable and portable for quick deployment during emergencies.

Deployment and Operational Use

Using a vehicle fire blanket requires minimal training, making it suitable for public use and professional responders alike. In case of a fire, two or more people can unroll the blanket from its storage case and carefully place it over the burning car. Within seconds, the fire is deprived of oxygen, leading to a gradual reduction of flames and heat. For electric vehicle fires, which are known to reignite due to battery instability, the blanket helps contain the thermal runaway, reducing secondary ignition risks and giving firefighters more control over the situation.

Benefits Over Traditional Firefighting Methods

Compared with water, foam, or powder extinguishers, fire blankets provide a cleaner, faster, and safer suppression method. They eliminate the need for chemical extinguishing agents, thus avoiding contamination and secondary damage to surrounding areas. Furthermore, they prevent the spread of burning fuel, debris, and toxic gases. This makes them an ideal complement to existing firefighting systems in parking lots, car workshops, and rescue vehicles. By isolating the fire rather than dispersing it, the blanket reduces total extinguishing time and limits environmental hazards.

Applications and Future Development

The use of automobile fire blankets is expanding with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, where battery-related fires pose new challenges. Governments and safety organizations are increasingly recommending their use in public parking facilities and transportation hubs. Manufacturers are also developing lighter, more heat-resistant versions with advanced coatings to improve performance under extreme conditions. As fire safety awareness grows, automobile fire blankets are becoming an essential part of modern vehicle protection systems, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution for managing fire emergencies effectively.