6 Reasons Lithium Fire Blankets Beat Regular Ones in Lithium Fires

6 Reasons Lithium Fire Blankets Beat Regular Ones in Lithium Fires

You might have heard the familiar warning: “Don’t charge your phone overnight.” It might sound like overcautious advice, but it is said and spread for an important reason.

Phones, laptops, e-bikes, and even cars are powered by lithium batteries. When these batteries fail, they can lead to fires that are intense, fast-spreading, and notoriously difficult to extinguish using traditional methods.

Looking at the numbers, the Singapore Civil Defence Force reported 20 PMD or Personal Mobility Device-related fires in the first half of 2025, up from 10 in the same period last year. Since PMDs run on lithium-ion batteries, this increase highlights a rising concern that lithium-related fires are now becoming more frequent.

While fire blankets are a common first line of defense, standard or regular ones are not designed to withstand the extreme heat and volatility of lithium fires.

However, there are lithium-rated solutions available, specifically engineered to handle these emergencies safely and effectively, such as those offered by TECS Fire and Safety.

Understanding why these specialised blankets make such a difference has never been more important — especially with lithium fire cases on the rise. Here are six reasons why a lithium fire blanket outperforms the regular ones.

1. Lithium Fires Burn at Extreme Temperatures

Lithium-ion batteries are a kind of portable energy storage solution, and inside these batteries, is a liquid electrolyte composed of lithium salt, which when mixed with a solvent such as ethylene carbonate, forms lithium ions

These ions give the battery its ability to hold a large amount of energy in a compact form, making lithium batteries both lightweight and powerful

However, because the liquid electrolyte containing these ions is highly reactive and flammable, it poses a serious fire and explosion risk if the battery overheats, experiences a short circuit, or is exposed to high temperatures.

When overheating occurs, it can trigger a process known as thermal runaway, where the battery’s temperature rapidly rises to over 1000°C within seconds. This phenomenon, which can last for more than an hour, then creates an uncontrollable, self-heating reaction that can result in a fire or explosion.

Standard fire blankets, like those made from wool, are not built to withstand such intense heat. They are generally rated for temperatures between 550°C and 600°C.

A fire blanket for lithium battery fires is the best option to control the flames.

For example, TECS Fire and Safety’s Fire Cloak Fire Blanket, which has a base fabric that resists temperatures up to 1,000°C (unstressed), provides reliable protection in high-temperature lithium fire incidents. It is made from ultra-high silica content fabric with fire-resistant grey silicone coating, and is designed for vehicle lithium battery packs.

2. Multi-Layered Construction Handles the Heat

Unlike single-layer fire blankets, multi-layered lithium fire blanket designs made from advanced materials such as fiberglass, silica, and reflective coatings offer far better insulation and protection.

These layers work together to slow heat transfer, resist melting, and maintain structural integrity even under extreme conditions.

The Bridgehill Extreme Fire Blanket exemplifies this innovation.

Built with pyroxene, silicone, and BridgeTech™ coating, it’s designed to isolate and control intense fires in seconds. The blanket can withstand temperatures of up to 1,600°C (2,912°F) for short durations and 800°C (1,472°F) for extended periods.

3. Reduces the Spread of Toxic Smoke and Gas Emissions

Lithium fires release toxic gases that are far more hazardous than those from ordinary fires. These gases can be poisonous, flammable, or both.

One especially dangerous byproduct is hydrogen fluoride, which can cause severe skin burns and lung damage.

A lithium fire blanket, such as the Bridgehill Extreme and the Fire Cloak Fire Blanket, helps contain and isolate the flames and reduces the spread of smoke and gases.

The Bridgehill Extreme Fire Blanket features a metal chain that adds weight, helping the blanket stay in place effectively. Available in several sizes, it is suitable for battery fires, e-scooters, workshops, storage areas, and industrial applications.

Meanwhile, the Fire Cloak Fire Blanket is constructed from ultra-high silica fabric with a fire-resistant grey silicone coating on both sides. Its reinforced corners, durable pull handles, and heat-resistant stitching ensure reliable performance under extreme heat.

Both these specialised fire blankets help contain toxic smoke, gases, and heat by isolating the fire source, preventing flames from spreading further.

4. Purpose-Built for EVs, Factories, and Worksites

A lithium fire blanket is specifically designed for environments such as warehouses and solar facilities, battery and storage areas, and electric vehicles and hybrid car fires, where lithium batteries are commonly encountered.

Its specialised materials and construction allow it to withstand extreme heat and effectively contain fires that standard blankets cannot handle.

5. Fast and Safe Deployment for Emergency Teams

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire safety equipment, like a Lithium fire blanket, is designed for quick and safe deployment, with compact packaging that allows responders to act fast when a fire breaks out.

Heat-resistant handles make it easier and safer to position the blanket over burning equipment.

For CERT teams and emergency responders, Bridgehill Training Fire Blankets offer a safe and practical way to practice real-life containment procedures. Training with these tools helps teams improve readiness and confidence during actual fire incidents.

6. Certified and Durable

When dealing with emergencies as intense as lithium fires, safety and reliability are crucial.

A lithium fire blanket that meets EN and ISO safety standards ensures consistent performance and compliance with international safety requirements, giving users confidence during high-risk situations.

The Bridgehill Training Fire Blankets is an example of this quality, certified to the following standards:

• DIN SPEC 91489: Requirements for fire suppression blankets ready
• EN ISO 1182: Non-combustibility performance
• EN13501-1: Reaction to fire classification A1
• EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests

Built from high-performance, fire-resistant materials, it withstands temperatures up to 2500°F (1370°C).

Its durable yet lightweight design allows for quick deployment and easy storage, making it ideal for fire trucks, hazmat teams, and rescue units.

Regular Fire Blankets Still Have Their Place — But Not for Lithium Fires

Regular fire blankets are still valuable for kitchen or clothing fires, or wrapping them around a person during emergency escape. A regular household fire blanket is ideal for situations where quick and simple fire control is needed.

However, lithium-ion battery fires are a different challenge altogether. They burn at extremely high temperatures and can reignite even after appearing to be extinguished, making them too intense for standard fire blankets to handle.

While regular blankets are best suited for smaller, less intense fires, lithium-ion fires require specialised containment solutions designed to safely isolate and control high-energy reactions— a capability exemplified by the Fire Cloak and Bridgehill Extreme.

With over 30 years of experience in the fire and safety industry, TECS Fire and Safety provides trusted, high-performance solutions for lithium fire containment.

Explore our range of certified lithium fire blankets today to ensure fast, safe, and compliant protection in any environment.