American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

A fire blanket is specifically designed to smother flames by cutting off the oxygen supply, making it an effective tool for extinguishing small fires, particularly those on a person or in a confined space. Using a fire blanket during the fire allows a quick application to prevent the situation from escalating. It can be particularly useful for small kitchen fires or for putting out flames on clothing by wrapping the blanket around the person.

Applying the blanket immediately can be crucial, as swift action can make a significant difference in controlling the fire before it spreads or becomes uncontrollable. For example, if a person's clothing catches fire, using a fire blanket right away can prevent severe burns and injury. Thus, when faced with a fire, deploying a fire blanket during the incident is the most effective method to manage and potentially extinguish the flames, which is why this choice is correct.