Which item in the Desmoking Equipment Kit is used to cover irregular-shaped openings for controlling the spread of smoke and gases during a fire?

• A. Smoke blankets
• B. Smoke curtains
• C. Duct caps
• D. Fire blankets

Answer: (A)

Stopping the spread of smoke and gases hinges on sealing off openings as you move airflow control from the source toward the rest of the space. When you’re dealing with irregular-shaped openings, flexible, heat-resistant barriers are essential. Smoke blankets are designed for this purpose: they can be draped, tucked, and secured over uneven surfaces and gaps to create a tight seal, preventing smoke from flowing through vents, chases, or irregular gaps. They’re easy to mold around irregular contours and can be fastened with tape or ties to stay in place as the team works.

Duct caps are rigid, designed for standard duct mouths, and don’t conform well to nonuniform shapes. Fire blankets are great for smothering small fires or protecting people, but they aren’t as well suited for sealing off complex openings to control smoke spread. Smoke curtains can provide a barrier for some applications, but they’re typically less adaptable to irregular geometries than a blanket that can be cut or shaped to fit. In this scenario, the flexible, conformable nature of smoke blankets makes them the best fit for covering irregular openings to limit smoke and gas movement.