A fire service has issued a warning to UK households after 40 firefighters were called to battle a fire caused by reflecting sunlight.
On Tuesday afternoon, 40 firefighters were called to a blaze in Lakenheath in Southgate, north London. Two garden outbuildings were destroyed by the fire and half of the back of a neighbouring house was also damaged, London Fire Brigade said.
The fire service said the fire was likely caused by sunlight ‘reflecting off curved glass’ onto ‘combustible items’.
Now, London Fire Brigade is warning anyone to make sure they don’t have any reflective items near windows, which can cause a magnifying glass effect and lead to unexpected fires – even when the weather isn’t that warm.
They warned anyone to ensure mirrors, crystals and glass ornaments are kept away from windows and direct sunlight ‘at all times’.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Fires caused by refracted sunlight can happen all year round and can be common.
“Our advice is to make sure that you keep mirrors, crystals, glass ornaments and other reflective items out of direct sunlight at all times.”
In 2022, Merseyside Fire Service issued a similar warning when it was called out to a fire which caused huge damage to two houses thought to be caused by sunlight reflecting off mirrors.
Prevention Group Manager Mark Thomas said: “Fires caused in this way are becoming more and more apparent. Thankfully no one has been seriously injured as a result of these fires, but the damage caused will have a lasting impact on those involved.
“Both of these fires were started by the reflected light from the sun, which directed rays from magnifying mirrors onto combustible items. Low sun at this time of year and direct sunlight on mirrors can cause serious problems. Even during cold spells, the sun’s rays can be very strong particularly if they are magnified by glass ornaments and mirrors.
“Take a look around your home – if you have magnifying mirrors or other items such as glass ornaments or paperweights, please make sure they are kept out of direct sunlight or where the sun can reflect from them onto other items. Never leave shaving or vanity mirrors on windowsills – this is a recipe for disaster. It’s also really important to keep aerosols or any other flammable items out of direct sunlight too.”
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London Fire Brigade’s top three sunlight safety tips are:
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Keep reflective items such as mirrors, crystals or glass objects away from sunny window sills and flammable materials.”
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Make sure there are working smoke alarms fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate
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If you have a fire, close the door on the blaze, get out, stay out and call 999
