Fire service warns of emollient cream ignition risks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is relaunching a safety campaign about fire risks from emollient creams.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Community Pharmacy Hampshire & Isle of Wight to raise awareness about the dangers of emollient build-up on fabrics. The campaign follows a similar scheme run in 2024, which saw fire safety resources distributed to hundreds of pharmacies, GP surgeries and care providers across the region.

Emollients are creams, lotions, sprays and ointments used to manage various skin conditions. While effective for skin care, both paraffin and non-paraffin emollients can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings, increasing the risk of ignition when exposed to naked flames or heat sources.

James Lucy, assistant director for community safety at HIWFRS, said: 'Many people are unaware that both paraffin and non-paraffin emollients can increase fire risk when they build up on clothing, bedding and dressings. Tragically, several serious and fatal fires have been linked to emollient use, both locally and nationally.'

Posters, postcards and digital resources are being shared through pharmacies, GP surgeries and partner organisations to raise awareness of the issue.

How it is being reported

• Seven emollient-linked injuries and deaths prompt Hampshire fire safety campaignWhile effective for skin care, both paraffin and non-paraffin emollients can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings.Basingstoke Gazette · 10 Oct, 05:00
• Seven serious injuries and deaths linked to emollients prompt fire safety campaignWhile effective for skin care, both paraffin and non-paraffin emollients can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings.Andover Advertiser · 9 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service · NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight · Community Pharmacy Hampshire & Isle of Wight · James Lucy · Hampshire · Isle of Wight

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