Abstract: A fire protection layer is provided which includes a fabric of relatively pliant fibers and a fire resistant coating comprising silicone. The relatively pliant fibers may be selected from the group comprising glass fibers, polyester fibers and cotton fibers. The fire protection layer may be used in a fire protection blanket. Such a fire protection blanket may comprise a central part and a relatively lighter peripheral edge part. The fire protection layer may also be bonded to one or more structural layers to form a laminated structural fire protection material. Also provided is a method of extinguishing a burning object, comprising the steps of providing a fire protection blanket having a central part and a peripheral edge part, arranging the fire protection blanket over the burning object such that the peripheral edge part contacts an area surrounding the burning object, and smothering the fire.