A GRANDFATHER died after accidentally setting his dressing gown, which was soiled in paraffin from sensitive skin cream, on fire while lighting a cigarette.

Bradford Coroner Martin Fleming issued a warning to people using such creams to stay away from naked flames following the “distressing case” at Bradford Coroners Court yesterday.

Following the tragic death of Brian Bicat on September 22, 2017, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is taking part in an expert panel on issues raised in the inquest, and Bradford District Care Trust has already started giving out advice leaflets to people using paraffin-based skin ointments on how to stay safe while using the creams.

Mr Bicat died aged 82 at his flat in Lister Gardens, Oak Avenue, Manningham, last September.

His wife, Kathleen was out for her morning walk when Mr Bicat, still in his nightwear, lit up a cigarette on his balcony.

The inquest heard while lighting the cigarette, his dressing gown caught alight, and due to the paraffin-based skin creams which had impregnated his gown, it caught fire quickly and intensely.

After returning home, Mrs Bicat called for an ambulance, and Mr Bicat was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield via air ambulance, but died after succumbing to his injuries that night.

Dr Andrew Kilshaw, plastic surgery and burns registrar at Pinderfields, said Mr Bicat had total body burns of 71 per cent, and died of extensive burn injuries and multiple organ failure.

The court heard Mr Bicat, born in Ilford, worked as a bus inspector before doing his national service.

The grandfather of five then moved to Denmark, where he met his first wife, before moving to Bradford and lecturing economics at Bradford College.

The court heard Mr Bicat had a “distinguished academic career”, including working in Prague in 1967 and East Germany in 1976.

He was a keen cyclist, walker, gardener and jazz musician, and also smoked 20 cigarettes a day for the majority of his adult life.

He suffered from skin issues in later life, which resulted in him getting ulcers on his legs, and using paraffin-based skin ointments to treat his sensitive skin problems.

Fire investigation officer Jamie Lister explained to the court how the paraffin from the creams infuses into clothing, and can build up over time.

The fire service carried out tests and found both creams used by Mr Bicat burn quickly on his dressing gown, and he “would not have had time to get it off”.

He said: “Any skin product with paraffin in it should have a warning on it.”

A representative for Alliance Chemicals, which produces Hydromol, one of the creams Mr Bicat used, said its creams already carry clear warnings on its labels.

Leaflets and letters explaining the dangers related to paraffin based skin creams have been given to users by Bradford District Care Trust since April, and the Trust is working with the fire services on the issue.

Coroner Martin Fleming said: “Anyone using these creams should stay away from naked flames, it’s as simple as that.

“Something that must be highlighted is any clothing coming into contact with paraffin can be a fire hazard, and there is no evidence washing them at a high temperature prevents a build up of paraffin.

“On balance, I find the paraffin accelerated the burning, and important lessons learned must be put to good use.

“This was a very sad case, Brian was a much loved husband, father and grandfather and his death has left all those who knew and loved him devastated.”