Using a fire blanket
For some fires, a fire blanket is the best solution. Throwing water at a chip pan fire, for instance, will just help the fire to spread as burning oil floats around on the water. The jet of a powder or foam fire extinguisher can cause the burning fat to splatter and ignite whatever it lands on.
The best way to put out a chip or fat pan fire is to starve it completely of oxygen by covering it with a fire blanket.
Fire blankets are also helpful if someone’s clothing or hair catches fire. Wrap them tightly in the blanket to smother the flames. It might be easiest to roll them on the floor. Make sure the blanket completely covers the flames.
The principle for using a fire blanket on any small fire is the same: cover the flames completely to starve the fire of oxygen.
So, it makes sense to install a fire blanket in your kitchen and make sure that all members of the family know where it is and how to use it. Buy one large enough to put out a big flaming pan of oil, or a clothing fire, but which you can still handle easily. Check that your fire blanket conforms to BS 7944:1999 or BS EN 1869:1997. These are suitable for domestic use.
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