You should use a fire blanket on a toaster immediately if the toaster itself or food inside it catches fire. This is a quick and efficient way to smother the flames.
A fire blanket is an effective tool for tackling small fires, particularly those involving cooking oils or electrical items like a toaster. When a toaster fire occurs, whether it's due to stray crumbs igniting or a malfunction, the primary goal is to cut off the fire's oxygen supply.
Here's how a fire blanket is useful in this scenario:
- Smothers Flames: By carefully placing the fire blanket over the burning toaster, you create a barrier that deprives the fire of oxygen, causing it to go out quickly.
- Quick Response: Fire blankets are designed for rapid deployment, allowing you to react swiftly to a small, contained fire before it can spread.
- Versatility: As highlighted in safety guidelines, fire blankets can be used for various small fires, including those from a burning toaster or food that has caught fire in a microwave.
While a fire blanket is suitable for smothering a toaster fire, it's worth noting that carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are also recommended for electrical fires and are often strategically placed in areas like kitchens or near electrical equipment. If a CO2 extinguisher is accessible and within safe proximity (e.g., within 10 meters of the kitchen area as per some guidelines), it can also serve as coverage for electrical equipment fires.
In summary:
- Use a fire blanket when a toaster or its contents are actively burning.
- Carefully cover the fire completely with the blanket.
- Turn off the power source if safe to do so (e.g., unplug the toaster).
- Ensure the fire is completely out before removing the blanket.
Remember, for any fire, your safety is paramount. If a fire grows quickly or you feel unsafe, evacuate and call the emergency services immediately.
