IL Department Trying New Technology to Battle Car Fires

The Peoria Fire Department is testing a new massive thermal blanket that is placed over a car to reduce the temperature and smother the fire.

Interim Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger told Heart of Illinois ABC, it is especially useful in making sure the fire doesn’t spread to other cars or nearby buildings.

The department is currently in a trial period to determine if and how many they would need in addition to how often they may use them. The blankets are not inexpensive, with a price tag around $4,000 each.

Fire officials are evaluating what areas they may use the blankets, in areas like downtown with closer parking proximities the blankets may be useful.