On Day 19 of 30Days30Ways we’ve partnered with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service to help you get House Fire Ready.

A fire blanket is an effective and safe method for extinguishing a flammable liquid burning in a container. For example, oil or fat burning in a saucepan.

Kitchen fires involving cooking oils or fats, are common, so it’s essential to be prepared.

The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service recommends:

✅ Installing a fire blanket on the wall near or close to a door leading out of the kitchen area, for easy access.

✅ Familiarising yourself with how to use the blanket so you know exactly what to do in an emergency.

✅ Replacing the fire blanket immediately after using it on a real fire.

✅ Checking your smoke alarm is less than 10 years old and in working order.

✅ Calling  ‘000’ in an emergency.

Safety Tips

Never attempt to carry a saucepan that’s on fire. It’s likely that the fire will flare up or that your movement will cause the flames to lap back towards you, possibly igniting clothing and causing you to drop the container and spread the fire.

Never attempt to use water to extinguish a cooking oil fire. The sudden expansion of water turning to steam will expel the burning liquid from the container igniting any nearby combustibles.

For more information on fire blankets and home fire safety, visit: MFS Brochures & Fact Sheets