Many people use medicines and medical equipment at home to manage health conditions and live independently. Some medicines, devices and products can increase fire risk or affect alertness and reaction time, making it harder to notice a fire or escape safely.
This page explains common fire risks linked to medicines and medical equipment, and simple steps you can take to stay safe at home.
Medication is vital for treating physical and mental health conditions. Some medication is designed to sedate or induce sleep, and some can cause drowsiness or reduced alertness as a side effect.
If medication affects your alertness or movement, you may not notice a fire starting or react quickly enough to escape. Everyday activities like cooking, smoking, or using candles can become much more dangerous.
Home oxygen therapy may be prescribed for some medical conditions and usually involves an oxygen cylinder or concentrator. Oxygen can also be purchased online for health, beauty or wellbeing purposes. All oxygen used in the home presents the same fire risks.
Oxygen is not flammable, but it can create an oxygen‑enriched environment. This means fires can start more easily and burn much faster and hotter. Clothing, bedding, hair and soft furnishings can absorb oxygen and ignite very quickly.
If a heat or ignition source - such as a cigarette, heater, candle or even static electricity - is present while oxygen is in use or within 30 minutes after it is switched off, a fire can start and spread extremely quickly.
Keep oxygen at least:
- 3 metres (10 feet) from open fires
- 1.5 metres (5 feet) from heaters and electrical appliances
Airflow mattresses, cushions and overlays are used to help prevent or alleviate pressure sores. They use an electrical pump to fill the equipment with air, distributing pressure evenly. People using this equipment may also need help to escape if a fire starts.
If a fire occurs and an airflow product is punctured, escaping air can feed the fire, causing it to develop and spread very quickly. This can make it harder to escape safely, especially if the person using the equipment has limited mobility.
Some medical devices and products used at home are electrical, battery‑powered or made from materials that can burn easily. If they are used, charged or stored incorrectly, they can increase the risk of fire.
Damaged equipment, poor ventilation or incorrect charging can cause devices to overheat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.
Incontinence products are often used by people who may have limited mobility. These products are made from highly flammable materials and can help a fire spread quickly, making escape more difficult.
Incontinence products can ignite easily and burn rapidly, increasing the risk if a fire starts.
Fire risk can be affected by health conditions, medication, equipment and daily routines. Simple steps can help reduce risk and keep you safer at home.
If you take medication regularly, live alone, or have a health condition that affects your alertness or mobility, you may not hear a smoke detector or be able to react quickly in an emergency. You can request a Safe and Well visit, where we can offer advice on how to reduce fire risks in your home.
To report any concerns about medicines or medical devices visit - MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
If a fire starts in your home:
