Two fires started by sunlight reflecting off mirrors at homes in Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to two incidents over the Bank Holiday weekend where fires started accidentally through sunlight reflecting from mirrors.
The first one took place on Sunday April 5 when crews from Mereway and The Mounts attended a small fire at a residential property in the Hunsbury Meadows area.
It’s believed sun had been reflecting from the bathroom mirror causing excess heat around the window frame.
The fire was out on arrival and firefighters cut away at the window and used thermal imaging cameras to check for fire spread.
On Monday April 6, crews from Long Buckby and Towcester used a hose reel jet to extinguish another fire – this time at a property in Woodford Halse.
Firefighters arrived to find a garden mirror had reflected sunlight onto a garden shed, which also spread to furniture. Crews remained at the scene to dampen down hotspots and a home fire safety visit took place.
A spokesperson for NFRS said: “Fires caused by reflected sunlight can happen all year round but are even more of a danger during sunny days.
“Keep mirrors, mirror balls, crystals, glass ornaments and other reflective items out of direct sunlight and remember shady spots may become sunny spots later.
“Fitting smoke alarms in your home, and checking them regularly, will provide an early warning sign in the event of a fire and allow vital time to escape.”