A recent live-fire drill demonstrated how the Suntex Fire Blanket effectively contains electric vehicle fires for over 60 minutes while venting flammable gases to prevent explosion, marking a significant advance in emergency response.
As electric vehicles become increasingly common on our roads, the fire service industry is continuously adapting to the unique challenges they present. Traditional methods of fighting fires are often insufficient for tackling lithium-ion battery fires, which can reignite and pose a significant thermal runaway risk. A recent collaborative emergency drill has showcased a promising solution: the specialized Fire Control Blanket.
On November 13, 2025, the Emergency Management Department Sichuan Fire Research Institute, in partnership with Suntex Composite Industrial Co.,Ltd. conducted a realistic training exercise to evaluate the effectiveness of the Suntex Fire Control Blanket in a controlled electric vehicle fire scenario.
The Drill: A Scenario of Controlled Chaos
The drill, attended by the Sichuan Dujiangyan Fire Brigade, was designed to simulate a real-world emergency. The procedure was meticulously planned and executed:
Ignition & Escalation: A test vehicle was intentionally set alight, simulating an initial fire that led to the thermal runaway of the EV's lithium-ion battery pack. Within minutes, the fire intensified, with flames engulfing the vehicle and thick, toxic smoke billowing out.
Rapid Deployment: After allowing the fire to establish itself for 20 minutes, firefighters moved in. In a swift and coordinated effort, they deployed the Suntex Fire Blanket over the burning vehicle, achieving complete coverage in just 50 seconds. The visible flames were suppressed almost instantly upon coverage.
The Critical Observation Period: The blanket was left in place for a full 60 minutes, as required by the test protocol. During this period, a key technological advantage became apparent.
The Key Differentiator: Controlled Venting for Explosion Prevention
Approximately 10 minutes after deployment, observers noted gases beginning to vent directly through the fabric of the blanket itself. This is a deliberate and engineered feature.
Unlike simple tarpaulins or other blankets that create a completely sealed environment—which can trap flammable gases and lead to a dangerous buildup and potential explosion—the Suntex blanket is made from a smart material. Professional tests confirm the material has a precise permeability rate of 2.3-2.7 cm³/(cm²·s).
This specific venting speed is critical. It allows the blanket to safely manage the smoke and flammable gases produced by a malfunctioning battery, gradually releasing them and drastically reducing the pressure and risk of a violent explosion, all while maintaining an oxygen-depleted environment that suppresses open flames.
Verifiable Results: The Proof is in the Performance
After the 60-minute coverage period, the blanket was removed. The drill yielded conclusive evidence of the blanket's effectiveness, proving four major advantages:
Effective Fire Containment: The Suntex blanket successfully blocked flame spread and prevented re-ignition for the entire 60-minute duration, providing critical time for emergency crews to establish other safety measures.
Significant Thermal Protection: Temperature monitoring at designated points around the vehicle showed a dramatic decrease in ambient heat after the blanket was deployed. This protects adjacent property, infrastructure, and the safety of first responders.
Proactive Explosion Risk Mitigation: The blanket's engineered permeability provides a vital smoke and gas ventilation function. By preventing the dangerous accumulation of combustible gases, it directly addresses one of the most significant hazards in an EV fire.
Durability and Reusability: After withstanding extreme temperatures for a full hour, the Suntex blanket was retrieved intact. Inspection showed no tears or breaks at the seams, and the material retained a degree of flexibility, confirming it can be cleaned, inspected, and deployed multiple times, offering excellent long-term value.
Conclusion: A Safer Future for EV Emergency Response
The successful drill underscores a significant advancement in firefighting technology. The Suntex Fire Control Blanket is not merely a passive barrier; it is an active safety system that addresses the two primary dangers of an EV fire: the immediate flames and the latent risk of gas explosion.
Its dual-action capability—combining superior fire control with managed smoke extraction—makes it an indispensable tool.