The Brigade wants care home providers to avoid emollient creams containing paraffin, petroleum, or natural oils, which are flammable.
The call comes after the tragic death of Cedric Skyers, a 69-year-old grandfather, who died in a fire at his care home in 2016.
The fire was caused by a cigarette, which he accidentally dropped while unsupervised.
Mr Skyers was wheelchair-bound following a stroke and used emollient creams.
An investigation into his death found the risk assessment did not consider the use of emollient creams.
These creams can build up on skin, clothing, or bedding, making them more susceptible to catching fire.
His son, David Skyers, said: “Skin creams like emollients are flammable and smokers have to be very careful.
“My Dad had few remaining pleasures in life following his stroke.
“He enjoyed writing poetry and smoking a cigarette.
“When he smoked, he needed to be supervised in case of an accident.
“He wasn’t mobile and needed help to get around in his wheelchair.
“If he had passed away naturally, as upsetting as that would be, you can understand it.
“This is just not meant to happen.
“To lose Dad in such a horrific incident has been devastating for all of us.
“We really want to make sure this doesn’t happen again, so nobody else loses a much-loved father, grandfather and friend in such an awful way.
“If we could take one small positive from it, it would be the learning lesson that this tragic event lends to others in the future.
“No family should have to experience our heartache.”
Following the fire in Brockley in March 2016, the London Fire Brigade brought a prosecution against BUPA under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
BUPA pleaded guilty to not meeting their statutory obligations in relation to fire safety measures.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner, Craig Carter, said: “This is a harrowing case where failure to comply with fire safety regulations had fatal consequences.
“Cedric was vulnerable and his death could have been avoided.
“Every resident should have a plan in place which accounts for their mobility, their use of cigarettes, flammable skin creams and oxygen equipment.
“Care home staff can help to keep residents safe by encouraging them not to smoke, especially if they could drop their cigarette, become disoriented, or tend to fall asleep while smoking.
“We’re urging care home providers and carers to seek support and utilise the resources on the London Fire Brigade website to ensure they have taken the necessary precautions to keep their residents safe.”
The Brigade has also written to the Care Quality Commission requesting urgent action as fires in care homes and supported living facilities reached a three-year high in December 2024, following an increase from 11 to 41 compared to the previous month.
Smoking and cooking were the leading causes of the fires.
The Brigade’s advice for formal and informal carers includes completing a Home Fire Safety Checker for those in private dwellings or sheltered accommodation.
They also recommend switching to non-flammable emollient creams, ensuring residents sit at least one metre away from a heater, and keeping candles away from clothing, furnishings or bedding.
The Brigade also recommends installing smoke alarms in every room and heat alarms in kitchens.
Residents should avoid smoking in bed or on armchairs, particularly when there is a risk of falling asleep.
Proper ashtrays should be used and emptied regularly.
