05/01/2026
Keep the warmth, lose the risk: National Fire Chiefs Council issue winter emollient safety warning
As colder weather arrives, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are urging the public to be aware of fire risks linked to emollient skin creams.
Millions of people use emollient creams to relieve dry or itchy skin during winter. While the creams themselves are not flammable, residue from them can build up on clothing, bedding, bandages and soft furnishings. This can make these materials ignite more easily and burn more rapidly if they come into contact with a flame, cigarette or close to heat sources like open fires, electric bar, gas or halogen heaters.
To help keep people safe this winter, the MHRA and NFCC are highlighting three simple precautions:
1. Keep away from flames 🔥
Avoid smoking, candles and other naked flames and open fires if fabrics have dried on emollient products. Contaminated fabrics can catch fire quickly and cause a fire to spread quickly.
2. Keep warm safely 🥶
Sit at least 1 metre away from open fires and heaters, sitting too close could set light to fabrics.
3. Wash bedding and clothing regularly Keep the warmth, lose the risk: MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council issue winter emollient safety warning
As colder weather arrives, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are urging the public to be aware of fire risks linked to emollient skin creams.
From:
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Published
24 December 2025
Millions of people use emollient creams to relieve dry or itchy skin during winter. While the creams themselves are not flammable, residue from them can build up on clothing, bedding, bandages and soft furnishings. This can make these materials ignite more easily and burn more rapidly if they come into contact with a flame, cigarette or close to heat sources like open fires, electric bar, gas or halogen heaters.
To help keep people safe this winter, the MHRA and NFCC are highlighting three simple precautions:
1. Keep away from flames
Avoid smoking, candles and other naked flames and open fires if fabrics have dried on emollient products. Contaminated fabrics can catch fire quickly and cause a fire to spread quickly.
2. Keep warm safely
Sit at least 1 metre away from open fires and heaters, sitting too close could set light to fabrics.
3. Wash bedding and clothing regularly 👚👕👔👖
Wash items at the highest temperature recommended on the care label to help reduce cream build-up. Washing does not remove residue completely, so continued caution is important.
“Winter brings warmth, comfort and more time indoors – but it can also bring increased fire risk. Residues from emollient creams can make fabrics burn faster than people expect. Following a few straightforward steps can prevent fires and protect lives.”
Chris Bell, Emollient Lead at the National Fire Chiefs Council, said:
“Our crews have seen how quickly fires can escalate when skin creams are involved. We’re asking everyone – especially carers, family members and healthcare professionals – to help share this message. Keep flames and heat sources well away from contaminated fabrics, wash fabrics regularly, and follow fire safety advice. These simple actions can save lives.”
If you or a loved one uses emollient skin creams complete an online home fire safety check for advice via www.ohfsc.co.uk
Wash items at the highest temperature recommended on the care label to help reduce cream build-up. Washing does not remove residue completely, so continued caution is important.
