“Many households prioritise smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in garages or hallways,” says fire safety researcher Michael Chen,“yet the kitchen, where most home fires start, often has no readily accessible fire suppression tool.”

Why Kitchen Fires Require Immediate Attention

Cooking fires, especially grease-related incidents, behave differently from other household fires. They ignite quickly, spread rapidly, and should never be extinguished with water, as this can cause flames to intensify and spread burning oil.

Traditional fire extinguishers, while effective in many situations, may not always be practical during kitchen incidents because they:

• Are sometimes stored away from cooking areas
• Require multiple operational steps under stress
• Leave chemical residue that can contaminate surfaces
• Need regular maintenance or replacement

“In the first moments of a kitchen fire, accessibility and simplicity are key,” explains Michael Chen.“When a fire suppression tool isn't immediately within reach, even a small ignition can escalate before help is applied.”

The Case for Fire Blankets: An Accessible Kitchen Safety Option

Fire safety experts often recognise fire blankets first line of defence in kitchens.

How they work: Fire blankets extinguish flames by cutting off oxygen, smothering the fire quickly without chemicals, noise, or residue.

Key advantages:

• Instantly deployable – just pull and cover
• Mountable near the stove for immediate access
• Safe for all types of kitchen fires (including grease)
• Leave no residue or contamination
• No maintenance or expiry issues
• Safe for anyone to use, even children or seniors

“The strength of a fire blanket lies in its simplicity,” says Chen.“It's easy to use and requires no special training.”

Who's Most at Risk

According to USFA data, cooking fires affect all demographics, but certain situations heighten the risk:

• Unattended cooking (the leading cause)
• Holiday or late-night cooking
• Deep frying and multitasking

Every year, 2,620 civilians die in home fires, with seven deaths daily and 92% occurring in residential settings. Many of these stem from preventable cooking incidents.

The Fiberglass Issue: A Hidden Safety Hazard

While fire blankets are lifesaving tools, many contain fiberglass may present potential health concerns. When deployed, fiberglass blankets can shed tiny airborne particles that irritate skin and lungs and contaminate kitchen surfaces.

“It's ironic,” says occupational health specialist Dr. Sarah Martinez,“that a device meant to release fine particles that may affect indoor air quality, especially in homes with children, elderly, or asthmatic individuals.”

The Safer Alternative: Fiberglass-Free Fire Blankets

Newer, fiberglass-free fire blankets eliminate these health concerns while maintaining full fire suppression performance.