The Worcester Fire Department told the Public Safety Committee it does not recommend the residential use of consumer fire blankets after departmental testing produced unsatisfactory results.

“the Worcester Fire Department does not recommend the use of, fire blankets,” said Chief Roach, who told the committee that department testing in the Burn Building yielded poor results on several products bought online. The chief said residents who try to fight fires themselves often get too close to the blaze and delay calling 911, which can worsen outcomes.

The department recommended that residents “get out, stay out, call 911,” and emphasized installing regularly maintained, UL-listed smoke alarms. Staff noted a recent review showing several popular smoke detectors sold online lacked UL listing and urged residents to check the UL symbol on the device. The department also reported conducting outreach to elementary schools and neighborhood meetings, and said a separate public education position has experienced turnover and is again in transition.

Committee members asked whether fire extinguishers are safer than blankets. The department responded that the first action should always be to call 911; if a fire extinguisher can be used from a safe distance it may be attempted briefly, but if not effective the resident should retreat and wait for responders. A department speaker added that unlike extinguishers, blankets require close proximity and carry the risk that removing a blanket might re-expose hot fuel.

The committee accepted and filed the communication and directed staff to include educational outreach and to consider expanded public messaging on correct smoke detectors and safe responses to residential fire incidents.