What is the purpose of fire blankets in damage control?

Fire blankets are designed primarily to smother flames and provide protection for personnel from burns during fire incidents. When a fire occurs, quick actions are necessary to prevent the flames from spreading or causing injury. By draping a fire blanket over a burning object or individual, the blanket cuts off the oxygen supply, effectively extinguishing the fire. This also serves to protect nearby personnel from flames and heat, minimizing the risk of serious injuries.

While fire blankets can serve multiple secondary benefits, such as offering some insulation against heat, their main purpose is specifically to extinguish small fires and protect individuals from being directly exposed to flames. This characteristic distinguishes their primary function clearly from the other options listed, which focus on smoke barriers, heat blocking, and drying equipment—none of which are the primary intent of a fire blanket.