Step 1
WEARING THE RECOMMENDED PPE – Remove the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket from the storage bag. Unroll the Fire Cloak™ EV fire containment blanket and position centrally in front of the vehicle.
Instructions for Use
Essential instructions for trained fire and rescue professionals on the safe use, deployment and handling of Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blankets
Warning
Please note this product is intended for use in containing Electric Vehicle (“EV”) fires and its use is therefore likely to take place in extremely hazardous circumstances. Any person who may use this product should familiarise themselves with these Instructions for Use before any need for use arises and periodically after that, and where possible should be supplied with appropriate protective equipment and receive appropriate training.
The information and instructions in the Instructions for Use should where appropriate be used in relation to your own Health and Safety risk assessments and operating and training plans wherever applicable.
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND ARE CONSULTING THEM WHEN ANY FIRE OR POTENTIAL FIRE IS IN PROGRESS YOU MUST TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT:
See Instructions for Use and Deployment Instructions
NOBODY, EXCEPT TRAINED FIRE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL, SHOULD USE THIS PRODUCT IN RELATION TO A VEHICLE THAT IS ACTUALLY ON FIRE.
Product Information
Launched in 2022 after many months of research, development and testing the FIRE CLOAK™ Electric Vehicle fire limitation blanket has been designed, when used properly, to contain electric vehicle (“EV”) fires. PLEASE NOTE: The Fire Cloak™ WILL NOT, on its own, extinguish EV fires.
If an electric vehicle high energy propulsion battery is damaged, or a manufacturing fault causes just a single cell to short circuit this can start a fire, generating temperatures over 1,000°C (1,832°F). This fire spreads from cell to cell creating a domino-effect known as “Thermal Runaway” and in a short space of time an intense fire is established.
Lithium battery Thermal Runaway fires cannot be extinguished by conventional means. The battery electrolyte usually contains flammable hydrocarbons and the lithium oxide cathode is highly reactive and self-oxidising, so the fire feeds itself. If left unchecked extremely high temperatures and intense fires can result.
When a Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Blanket is deployed in accordance with these “Instructions for Use” the combustion potential is minimised by depriving the fire of oxygen. Because the fire is contained, temperatures drop rapidly which helps prevent damage to surrounding vehicles and property.
Manufactured from a specially modified glass fibre material and coated with a fire-resistant polymer, the resulting Fire Cloak™ high-tech fabric has extremely high temperature resistance.
Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blanket (8 x 6m)
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Product code: CFB2186B
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Dimensions: 8 x 6 metres (26 x 19½ feet) ±5%
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Weight: c.28kg (62lbs) ±5%
Fire Cloak™ XL – EV Fire Limitation Blanket (12 x 9m)
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Product code: CFB1209
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Dimensions: 12 x 9 metres (39 x 29¼ feet) ±5%
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Weight: c.33kg (73lbs) ±5%
FIRE CLOAK™ has been extensively tested in real-life EV fire demonstrations and has also been independently tested to the following international fire and flame resistance standards:
Fire Cloak™ EV Fire Limitation Blanket (8 x 6m)
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BS476 Parts 6 & 7: Class O (similar to Class A in USA)
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BS476 Part 20-2018: Furnace Test at 1,000°C for 90 minutes
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ASTM D6413: Vertical Flame Resistance
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EN13501-1:2018: A2,s1,d0
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FMVSS 302: Federal Motor Vehicle Fire Safety Standard
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NFPA701: Fire Resistance of Fabrics
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DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11: Requirements for fire limitation blankets for use with electric vehicles – COMPLIANT
Fire Cloak™ XL – EV Fire Limitation Blanket (12 x 9m)
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BS476 Part 20-2018: Furnace Test at 1,000°C for 90 minutes
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ASTM D6413: Vertical Flame Resistance
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EN13501-1:2018: B,s1,d0
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FMVSS 302: Federal Motor Vehicle Fire Safety Standard
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NFPA701: Fire Resistance of Fabrics
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DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11: Requirements for fire limitation blankets for use with electric vehicles – COMPLIANT
DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11
Requirements for fire limitation blankets for use with electric vehicles
Developed by the German institute for standardization – DIN (Deutsches lnstitut fur Normung). This is the first performance standard in the world developed exclusively for fire limitation blankets for use with electric vehicles.
As part of this standard (section 12) the following manufacturer’s information must be declared.
- Model type and designation is shown on the front cover.
- Basic material and composition – specially modified single layer glass fibre fabric with fire resistant polymer coating.
- Size, weight and tolerances for each type of Fire Cloak™ fire limitation blanket
- Requirements for multiple use
- Fire blanket disposal – In the event of a fire the blanket must be disposed of in accordance with national regulations and will be classed as hazardous waste.
- The fire blanket does not provide burst protection.
- The fire blanket inhibits gas flue distribution but does not prevent it.
- Fire limitation blankets are pulled over the electric vehicle during use, which can lead to frictional electricity. What is usually without consequence in preventative use can, in the worst case, ignite the flue gas via electrostatic discharge in connection with an incipient fire (e.g. smoke formation at an electric vehicle, no visible flames yet). Flue gas from an onset thermal runaway or a damaged lithium-ion battery is considered flammable.
- The fire limitation blanket does not provide protection against electric shock
- The Fire Cloak™ fire limitation blanket has an expected service life of 10 years without fire contact, if stored out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place and is used in accordance with these instructions.
- The fire limitation blanket should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place and temperature should be in the range of 10°C to 35°C – (15°F to 95°F).
- FIRE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS: Direct spraying with a fog nozzle shall be avoided.
- The fire limitation blanket has an information tag detailing the model type, manufacturer, batch number, date of manufacture and radio frequency permeability. All Fire Cloak™ fire limitation blankets are manufactured with centre point markings on both the length and the width.
- Prior to use, the contents of the fire limitation blanket should be checked, this will entail removing it from its bag and checking that the individual components are present.
- Only instructed personnel should use this product.
- Choose the correct size of fire limitation blanket, ensuring it covers the critical object and enough material remains to lay flat on the ground by at least 0.5 metres (20 inch) on all sides.
- The presence of manhole or gully tops, water drainage covers or similar can reduce the functionality of the fire limitation blanket during use.
- The fire limitation blanket can be secured with ropes or ratchet straps to help in resisting pressure surges, windy conditions, or during movement of the vehicle.
- Monitor the temperature of the vehicle at regular intervals as subsequent re-ignition can occur.
- The fire limitation blanket should be inspected every 12 months if not used, to check that it is in serviceable condition.
- Instructions for folding the blanket, if deployed without fire contact, are shown in the Folding Instructions.
- Fire Cloak™ CFB1209 is rated at Cut Level Protection B / Fire Cloak™ CFB2186B is rated at Cut Level Protection D and so is deemed to have increased cut protection.
- Use and deployment of the fire limitation blanket can be found in the Deployment Instructions.
- This fire limitation blanket is radio frequency permeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket extinguish an EV Fire?
No the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket will not extinguish an EV fire, it has been designed to contain and control the burn preventing collateral damage to surrounding vehicles and property.
Can the FIRE CLOAK™ be used on a Petrol or Diesel Car Fire?
Yes, the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket works equally as well on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle fires and reduces the water required to put out the fire thus minimising polluted water run-off.
Can anybody use the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket?
Nobody, except trained fire and rescue personnel, should use the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket in relation to a car that is actually on fire. In circumstances where the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket is used on a precautionary or preventive basis, properly equipped, trained and prepared personnel can use it in accordance with the “HOW TO USE” section, provided that a proper assessment of all risks present is made and all relevant precautions taken.
Has the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket been independently tested?
Yes, the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket has been extensively tested by independent laboratories. It has passed internationally recognised fire resistance standards and real-life EV fire demonstrations.
Is FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket reuseable?
If the Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket is used where an EV fire event is avoided, for example, when it is used to isolate a quarantined or suspicious vehicle that is exhibiting an elevated battery temperature according to a Thermal Imaging Camera reading or hissing/popping sounds can be heard and the vehicle does NOT burst into flames, the answer is YES it can be reused PROVIDED THAT it has been fully checked for signs of mechanical damage, contamination or heat degradation and found to be fully undamaged before storage.
In general where any EV fire event has taken place the Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket is not reusable. ANY fire limitation blanket that is deployed on a vehicle that ultimately sets on fire or is already alight will result in the blanket material being heavily contaminated after use. There will probably be deposits of heavy metals such as nickel, manganese and cobalt along with other chemicals that could include HF acid, organic carbonates and PCB’s. ANY EV fire limitation blanket would then need to be decontaminated and resealed before being used again. This is a specialised and expensive process.
Instructions for Use
ONLY TRAINED PERSONNEL ARE PERMITTED TO USE THE FIRE LIMITATION BLANKET
If an EV or any other vehicle is on fire, you must not attempt to use the Fire Cloak EV fire limitation blanket unless you are properly trained personnel of the fire and rescue service.
Before starting to deploy the Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket you must ensure you are wearing suitable protective clothing and personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) which must include as a minimum;
Fire resistant clothing, gloves and shoes, and a face shield and ventilator mask to protect against fine particles, gases and vapours.
BEWARE OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS
- The risk of an uncontrollable EV fire (Thermal Runaway) begins at a temperature of 60°C (140°F) and becomes extremely critical at 100°C (212°F).
- Visible smoke/vapour clouds can be explosive.
- Intense and very hot jet like flames may occur.
- Gases from EV battery fires can be extremely toxic.
- Projectile battery cells can be ejected at speed.
- Toxic heavy metals and acids can be present.
- Risk of serious burns, injury and death.
Do not put yourself or others at risk by attempting to use the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket where it is unsafe to do so.
This includes but is not limited to circumstances where:
- you have not received proper training on how to use the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire limitation blanket safely;
- you do not have the appropriate required protective clothing and PPE available for immediate use;
- the EV is on fire; or
- the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire limitation blanket is damaged or has been tampered with.
Fire/ Safety Marshalls at Commercial Premises
Use a thermal imaging camera to measure the temperature of a suspect EV, a normal temperature for an EV should be less than 50°C (122°F). Check the temperature at no more than 10 minute intervals, if the temperature increases to 60°C (140°F) or higher, and if it is safe to do so, deploy the Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket in accordance with these instructions and immediately follow your site emergency plan, including informing co-workers and management to evacuate and creating an exclusion zone. As soon as it is safe to do so, call the fire and rescue service.
If a fire has resulted, the Fire CloakTM EV fire limitation blanket must only be removed by the fire service.
The Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket can also be deployed on a vehicle that is quarantined after accident damage.
Tow Truck and Vehicle Recovery Operators
When towing or recovering an EV, before loading the vehicle onto your truck or trailer, use a thermal imaging camera to assess the status and temperature of the vehicle. In a safe condition this should normally be less than 50°C (122°F). Deploy the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket and use ratchet straps or a rope to secure the blanket at tyre level when transporting. When recovering an EV or other vehicle that has been on fire, check the vehicle temperature, and if the temperature is below 50°C (122°F) deploy and secure the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket (as above), or if a Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket has been used to contain the fire, leave it in place and secure it.
Recovered EVs that are taken to a storage compound and quarantined after accident damage should be covered with a Fire Cloak™ where it is safe to do so in accordance with the instructions contained in this document and following those instructions.
Under no circumstances should the Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket be removed if a fire is developing or if the vehicle is on fire. This should only be done by trained personnel of the fire and rescue service in accordance with the applicable instructions.
Deployment Instructions
ONLY TRAINED PERSONNEL ARE PERMITTED TO USE THE FIRE LIMITATION BLANKET
Step 2
With 2 people holding the red corner straps, pull so that the leading edge of the Fire Cloak™ EV fire containment blanket is under tension.
Step 3
Then pull the Fire Cloak™ EV fire containment blanket over the vehicle in a continuous movement and ensure that it overlaps equally on all sides and front and rear of the vehicle.
Step 4
Make sure the outer edges of the Fire Cloak™ are in contact with the ground at the front, rear and both sides. Press down with your feet to flatten the edges, safety boots are essential.
User Guidance – Fire Service and Emergency Professionals
The deployment advice given here is based on our experience with numerous fire departments worldwide but is always subject to the assessment of the situation by personnel present at the incident and should be tailored to your risk assessments and health and safety guidelines and requirements.
- Before deploying the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket, all fire and rescue personnel should be wearing their approved firefighting gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus and (if available) personal gas detection monitoring.
- A minimum of two (2) fire personnel (4 in windy conditions) should be used to deploy the FIRE CLOAK™ EV fire blanket.
- Roll out the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket and lay it centrally on the ground in front of the vehicle.
- Pull the RED handles to tension the leading edge of the blanket and pull it over the front, or rear, of the vehicle in one continuous movement – (downwind if it’s windy).
- If it is not possible to pull the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket over the front, or rear, of the vehicle, try deploying over the length of the vehicle, with no less than 4 people.
- If the vehicle has sharp edges the blanket could tear, use no less than 4 personnel to deploy and lift above the roofline.
- When covered, check that the Fire Cloak™ is centred on the vehicle and that all edges are in contact with the ground.
- Tread down the edges of the blanket to flatten it against the ground and remove any “tunnels” to stop air ingress.
- Large vehicles may require more than one Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket to create an effective airtight seal.
- When the Fire Cloak™ is correctly positioned spray the surface with a FINE MIST of water, this reduces the fire temperature by exploiting the effect of evaporative cooling.
- Leave the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket in place until a thermal imaging camera proves that thermal runaway has stopped. This can take between 1 to 4 hours depending on battery size and level of charge.
- BEWARE – When removing the Fire Cloak™ trapped highly flammable gasses may explode. Take extreme care and keep as far away from the vehicle as possible when removing after an EV fire. Consider using hooks at arms length to do this.
- We recommend recovery operators leave or deploy the Fire Cloak™ EV fire blanket on a fire or accident damaged vehicle when transporting. Follow the instructions in the section heading Tow Truck and Vehicle Recovery Operators.
Folding Instructions After Use WITHOUT Fire Contact
IMPORTANT: The Fire Cloak™ EV fire limitation blanket can only be reused if it has not been in contact with fire and is not damaged, it must be refolded in accordance with these instructions.
2 people are required to refold the blanket.
Lay the fire blanket flat on clean ground or a large floor, sweep to remove any sharp objects first.
At the end with black handles mark the ground with chalk or wax crayon along both long sides of the blanket. The first mark should be 65cm from the end of the blanket and the second mark 130cm from the end. This will help ensure accurate folding.
Fold in the corner black straps (1). Hold the fabric on the first mark at 65cm from the end (2), then pull the fabric from the second mark (130cm) toward the end of the blanket to create the first fold (3). The blanket is folded in a concertina or “Z” fold pattern for easy deployment when next used (4).
When the blanket has been completely “Z” folded you should then fold the ends of the blanket toward the centre and repeat 3 times. Finally, roll the folded blanket into a cylindrical shape and secure with the strap and fasten the buckle, repack into the storage bag.
Do not forget to replace these instructions in the side pocket of the Fire Cloak™ Bag and the vehicle identification sheet with its clear sealable pouch.
