What is the primary function of a fire blanket?

The primary function of a fire blanket is to smother flames on a person or object. Fire blankets are made from fire-resistant materials designed to extinguish small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. When a fire blanket is placed over a burning material or a person whose clothing is on fire, it effectively puts out the flames. The blanket's ability to resist high temperatures and its coverage capability make it an essential safety tool in various situations, particularly in households or environments where flammable materials are present.

While other options, such as acting as a fire extinguisher or serving as a rescue tool, might relate to fire safety equipment in general, they do not accurately describe the specific purpose of a fire blanket. Fire extinguishers are specifically designed to spray chemicals to douse larger fires, and rescue tools serve different functions, such as aiding in the extraction or evacuation of individuals in distress. Protection against smoke inhalation is typically addressed through the use of respirators or masks, rather than a fire blanket. Therefore, the focus on smothering flames makes option A the most accurate description of the fire blanket’s primary function.