FIRE chiefs have urged people who use highly flammable skin creams to be cautious after a man died when his lotion acted as an accelerant in a fatal blaze.

An investigation into Mexborough man Jim Rownsley’s death concluded that emollient cream residue in his clothes made them more flammable after sparking from a gas heater.

Emollient creams are used to treat dry skin conditions such as eczema.

Jim’s death echoes that of Sylvia Talbot, who died in a house fire on Coniston Road, Oakwell, in 2019.

When fire crews from Barnsley, Cudworth and Tankersley stations arrived, they found a knocked-over coal bucket near the settee, which was on fire, and Sylvia in position.

She had used Zerobase, an emollient which was prescribed to her for use on leg ulcers.

Mrs Talbot, a widow, slept on the settee and the cream had soaked into its material.

Chris Tyler, group manager in South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s community safety team, warned users to be wary.

“As a service we fully recognise the effectiveness and importance of emollient creams, and we also recognise that they are not flammable on their own,” he added.

“However, a build-up of emollient cream residue on fabrics such as bedding, clothing and dressings can make these already combustible items even more flammable.

“What this means is that in cases where somebody uses these creams on a regular basis and 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.”