Islanders who use common skin creams are being warned of a potentially deadly fire risk after 7 incidents involving emollient products resulted in serious injuries or fatalities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the past 4 years.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has joined forces with NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Community Pharmacy Hampshire & Isle of Wight to relaunch a campaign highlighting the hidden dangers associated with emollient creams.
Emollients are commonly used to treat a range of skin conditions and come in the form of creams, lotions, sprays and ointments.
Although the products provide important health benefits, both paraffin and non-paraffin emollients can increase the risk of fire when they build up on clothing, bedding, dressings and other fabrics.
These materials can then ignite more easily and burn more intensely when exposed to naked flames or other sources of heat.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is aware of 56 deaths in England since 2010 where emollients were confirmed to have been involved, highlighting the importance of raising awareness of the dangers.
The renewed campaign follows a similar initiative which took place in 2024. The initiative distributed fire safety information to hundreds of pharmacies, GP surgeries and care providers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Thanks to funding from 3SFire Community Interest Company, even more resources will be distributed this year, including posters, postcards and digital information aimed at emollient users, carers, healthcare professionals and support workers.
James Lucy, Assistant Director for Community Safety at HIWFRS, has 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. This is why it is so important to raise awareness of the risks and how to reduce them.
“Following the success of our 2024 campaign, we’re delighted to be working alongside our health partners once again to share this important safety advice.
“Thanks to funding from 3SFire CIC, we’re able to distribute even more resources this year, helping us reach more residents, carers and healthcare professionals across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“We want everyone who uses emollients, as well as those who support them, to understand the risks and the simple precautions they can take to stay safe. By improving awareness, we can help people make informed choices that protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Fire safety officials are urging residents who use emollients to take extra care around naked flames and heat sources, including open fires, gas fires, halogen heaters and gas hobs.
People are also advised never to smoke in bed and to regularly wash clothing, bedding and dressings at the highest temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
However, washing only reduces the build-up of emollient residue and does not completely remove the fire risk.
Residents should also ensure smoke alarms are fitted, working correctly and tested regularly.
Alison Freemantle, Joint Chief Officer at Community Pharmacy Hampshire & Isle of Wight, has said:
“Many people obtain emollients and creams from community pharmacies whether it’s when collecting a prescription or buying them. It is important people are aware of risks and how to minimise them and pharmacies are in an ideal position to help spread this message to the public.”
Neil Hardy, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, has said:
“We are really pleased to partner with the fire service and offer our support for this important message to help inform our patients and prevent any potential future tragedies.”
Further advice about emollient fire safety can be found at www.bit.ly/Emollients2026.
