London Fire Brigade urges safer alternatives to flammable emollients in UK care homes

The London Fire Brigade has warned that emollient creams containing flammable ingredients such as paraffin, petroleum or natural oils can increase fire risk in care settings.

According to the Brigade, these creams are widely used to treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis or pressure sores and are often prescribed to people with limited mobility, who are more vulnerable in the event of a fire.

The Brigade has advised care homes and carers to switch to non-flammable alternatives and ensure that all residents have personalised fire risk plans that account for cigarette use, skin cream application and oxygen therapy.

Family supports call following fatal care home fire

The Brigade’s safety campaign has been supported by the family of Cedric Skyers, a 69-year-old care home resident who died following a fire in March 2016.

An investigation found that although a smoking risk assessment had been carried out, it failed to consider the fire risk posed by emollient creams, which can build up on skin, clothes and bedding, making them more likely to ignite.

David Skyers, Cedric’s son, said: “Skin creams like emollients are flammable and smokers have to be very careful.

“My Dad had few remaining pleasures in life following his stroke. He enjoyed writing poetry and smoking a cigarette.

“When he smoked, he needed to be supervised in case of an accident. He wasn’t mobile and needed help to get around in his wheelchair.”

David Skyers added: “If he had passed away naturally, as upsetting as that would be, you can understand it. This is just not meant to happen.”

He continued: “To lose Dad in such a horrific incident has been devastating for all of us. We really want to make sure this doesn’t happen again, so nobody else loses a much-loved father, grandfather and friend in such an awful way.

“If we could take one small positive from it, it would be the learning lesson that this tragic event lends to others in the future. No family should have to experience our heartache.”

Legal action taken following fire at BUPA care home

Following Cedric Skyers’ death, the London Fire Brigade brought a prosecution against BUPA under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching its fire safety responsibilities at the Brockley care home.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said: “This is a harrowing case where failure to comply with fire safety regulations had fatal consequences. Cedric was vulnerable and his death could have been avoided.”

Craig Carter added: “Every resident should have a plan in place which accounts for their mobility, their use of cigarettes, flammable skin creams and oxygen equipment.”

He continued: “Care home staff can help to keep residents safe by encouraging them not to smoke, especially if they could drop their cigarette, become disoriented, or tend to fall asleep while smoking.”

Craig Carter said: “We’re urging care home providers and carers to seek support and utilise the resources on the London Fire Brigade website to ensure they have taken the necessary precautions to keep their residents safe.”

Fires in care homes increase, prompting call for national regulator involvement

According to the London Fire Brigade, the number of fires in care homes and supported living facilities rose from 11 to 41 in December 2024, marking a three-year high.

The Brigade has written to the Care Quality Commission requesting action in response to this increase.

The Brigade reported that smoking and cooking were the two leading causes of these incidents.

It has encouraged formal and informal carers to use the Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker and to book free home fire safety visits for tailored advice and support.

The Brigade advises switching to emollient creams free from paraffins, petroleum or natural oils and recommends that residents maintain distance from heaters and avoid open flames near clothing or bedding.

It also recommends installing smoke alarms in all areas where a fire could start and using heat alarms in kitchens.

Flammable skin creams pose fire risk in care settings, says London Fire Brigade: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has issued a safety warning about the use of emollient creams containing flammable ingredients in care settings.

These creams are commonly used by people with limited mobility, who face greater fire risk.

The Brigade is calling for a switch to non-flammable alternatives and personalised risk plans for residents.

This call is supported by the family of Cedric Skyers, who died in a fire at a care home in 2016.

An investigation found the risk assessment did not consider emollient use.

BUPA was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to breaching fire safety obligations.

Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said the death was avoidable with better fire safety planning.

The Brigade reported a rise in care home fires from 11 to 41 in December 2024.

Smoking and cooking were the main causes of these fires.

The Brigade has contacted the Care Quality Commission to request further action.

Carers are encouraged to use online tools and book free fire safety visits.

Safety advice includes using non-flammable creams and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources.