Safety plea after fire death linked to skin cream

A man died in a house fire after his clothing caught fire on a gas heater due to a build up of flammable skin cream, an investigation has found.

Jim Rownsley was killed in a blaze at his home in Kempton Gardens, Mexborough, on 20 February.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) said it was likely a build up of residue from an emollient cream he had been using had caused his clothes to become more flammable.

Following his death Mr Rownsley's family urged people to be aware of the potential dangers of skin creams.

His granddaughter Sherrie-Leigh Higgins, 25, said: "My grandad always used his gas heater to stay warm, but we didn't know that the cream he used for his legs could be so dangerous.

"These creams, often used for treating skin conditions, can easily soak into clothes if you use them regularly and become a fire risk.

"If someone you love uses these creams, please make sure you and they know how they can keep themselves safe. I don't want anyone else to go through the same trauma that we did."

Chris Tyler, from SYFRS's community safety team, said some skin creams contained paraffin and natural oils, which while not flammable on their own could make combustible fabrics such as bedding, clothing, or dressings "even more flammable".

He said: "What this means is that in cases where somebody uses these creams on a regular basis and/or spends an extended amount of time in their bed or armchair, their fire risk can increase dramatically.

"Anyone using emollient or skin creams regularly should keep well away from fire, naked flames, or heat sources.

"They shouldn't smoke and need to be careful near hobs, candles, and heaters."

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